As the world’s life-adjusting beings during the Coronavirus Pandemic, ensuring that we maintain
healthy eating habits is more critical than ever to keep our immune systems strong. Fresh fruit and vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet; however, there was some concern that the coronavirus might be transmitted via fresh produce.
These concerns arise from the very fact that fresh produce in stores is probably going to be handled by numerous people before being purchased resulting in the assumption it’s going to be a source of transmission if handled by someone infected with the virus. These fears are unfounded as there’s no evidence to suggest that Coronavirus is transmitted through food or food packaging, as stated by Food Standards.
The most common way Coronavirus is transmitted through person to person contact and droplets within the air, especially after someone with the virus sneezes or coughs. this is often why it’s essential to practice coughing and sneezing into your elbow and avoiding public places, like supermarkets if you’re feeling unwell.
Although the virus can survive on surfaces for a few time, you’re less likely to contract the virus this manner and as long as you touch your face, mouth or eyes after coming into contact with a contaminated surface. Regularly washing your hands will further reduce the danger of contracting the virus through surface contact.
Practice food hygiene.
Although transmission through food is unlikely, it’s always important to practice good food hygiene when preparing food within the home.
Do
- Wash your fruit and vegetables before eating, peeling or cutting
- Wash fresh produce under cold water and provides it an honest rub or scrub
- Take extra care to get rid of all traces of soil from fresh produce.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food
Don’t
- Wash fresh produce with soap, bleach or vinegar. Washing fresh produce with soap may cause soap residue being absorbed into the food and cause gastrointestinal upset when ingested.
- Wash food before storing it because the extra moisture can cause food to spoil more quickly. If you want to wash food before storage, ensure it’s thoroughly dried employing a towel
- Do not wash meat, poultry or eggs at this will spread bacteria onto other surfaces like the sink or bench top.
Instead of being afraid of food, let’s use this time to experiment and practice our cooking skills to create something we can enjoy!