CONSUMERS don’t need to wipe down food packaging when returning from the grocery store amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to federal officials.

Despite fears of possible contamination from food packaging, the Food and Drug Administration says “there is currently no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.”

This strain of the coronavirus causes respiratory illness and is spread through human transmission, the FDA said in a statement on Thursday.

Officials said the strain is “unlike foodborne gastrointestinal or GI viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food.”

The federal agency also noted there’s currently no nationwide shortage of food.

The FDA provided tips for grocery store shoppers to keep in mind while food shopping to stay healthy, including preparing a shopping list in advance and buying just one or two weeks’ worth of groceries at a time.

Consumers should wear masks while food shopping and carry their own wipes to wipe down the shopping cart handle or basket while at the store.

The agency also recommended that if consumers are using reusable bags, to clean them before each use.

While shopping, people should practice social distancing and not touch their faces — and when returning home, wash hands with soap and water and again after putting away groceries.

“There is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19,” the FDA reiterated.

“However, if you wish, you can wipe down product packaging and allow it to air dry, as an extra precaution.”

Source: Read Full Article