Food Safety and shopping for food are important concerns during this pandemic. Many people have questions about how to shop safely. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants to reassure consumers that there is currently no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It is not passed by the ingestion of food.
The FDA asks you to keep the following recommendations in mind when you are shopping.
- Prepare a shopping list in advance. Buy just 1 to 2 weeks worth of groceries at a time.
- Wear a face covering or mask while you are in the store, even if it is NOT required at your location.
- Carry your own wipes, or use one provided by the store to wipe down the handles of the shopping cart or basket.
- Practice social distancing while shopping – keeping at least 6 feet between you, other shoppers, and store employees.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds when you return home and again after you put away your groceries.
- There is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. However, if you wish, you can wipe down product packaging and allow it to air dry, as an extra precaution.
- Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen counters using a commercially available disinfectant product or a DIY sanitizing solution with 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) unscented liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. WARNING: Do not use this solution or other disinfecting products on food.
- Always keep in mind the basic 4 food safety steps — Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
