HOW TO HANDLE FOOD SAFELY DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

With so many questions about what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to COVID-19, it’s natural to worry about food. The virus is not spread through food but there are still things you can and should do around eating and shopping to protect yourself:

Be smart about stockpiled food

There’s no need to hoard food right now. Even though some stores have low inventory on certain items, the food supply chain is still strong. If you’ve stocked up to reduce grocery trips, it’s important to keep that food safe. According to the FDA, you should freeze fresh meat within 3-5 days (and poultry within 1-2 days) if you’re not using it. It will last up to a year that way. Eggs are good for 3-5 weeks in the fridge. Arrange your fridge so the items that should be used first are front and center. You’ll avoid food waste that way – and wasted money too.

For professional online fitness trainers click here

Take extra steps with take-out

It’s not safe to gather together in restaurants right now, but getting take-out is fine (and a great way to support local businesses). As with any person-to-person contact now, stay at a safe distance if you can and wash hands after interacting. Once you get home, transfer the food onto a plate, throw away the package, then wash your hands before eating. Though it’s likely not necessary, you can take also microwave your food to steaming to help kill germs.

What about wiping off food packages when you get home?

It’s true that the virus can live on cardboard surfaces for up to 24 hours, yet according to the USDA, “currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19”. But if wiping down packages gives you more peace of mind, that’s okay – just be sure you aren’t getting that cleaner into the actual food or beverages since those substances shouldn’t be ingested.

Get groceries safely

If possible, shop when there are fewer people in the store and try to keep a six-foot distance from other shoppers or order for delivery or curb-side pickup. For home delivery, ask the delivery person to leave the groceries in a safe spot instead of interacting. When you do go to the store, wipe down the shopping cart handle with a disinfecting wipe and wash your hands well when you return.

Wash your produce well

This is something you should always be doing of course, but it’s even more important now. Rinse it under running water and don’t use soap on produce, since some of it can remain on the surface and be eaten.

Be extra-vigilant about a clean kitchen

Wash your hands (for at least 20 seconds) anytime you enter your kitchen to prep or get food. Regularly clean countertops and handles to your cabinets, refrigerator, and sink clean with household disinfectant.

When was the last time you went shopping?

To read the full article click here

Related Articles

Responses