Tips Of The Day

Dietician Sheela Sherawat

Corona virus and Food Safety

Corona virus and Food Safety

No study confirms about corona virus that it is passed on through food. Food is not directly involved in the transmission of the virus. Corona viruses require a host, whether human or animal, to grow in, and it cannot grow in food. Thorough cooking is expected to kill all types of virus; it is advised to maintain good hygiene practices, especially around open food like unpackaged bread, cakes, etc. Thus it is essential for food workers to follow good personal hygiene practices strictly and should to behave hygienically and food business is obliged to monitor such displays. It is possible that infected food workers and consumers could introduce the virus to food all the way through coughing and sneezing or through hand contact. The main risk of transmission is from close contact of a healthy person with infected people. Hence the advice to the public and staff alike is to wash your hands.

Food safety guidelines

The World Health Organization i.e., WHO advises to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are maintained. These counts:

• Cough/cold hygiene practices
• Proper hand hygiene
• Safe food practices
• Avoiding close contact, with persons with symptoms like coughing and sneezing

Good hygiene, along with proper cleaning, is necessary to avoid cross-contamination between raw or undercooked foods and cooked or ready-to-eat foods in the kitchen.

Is it safe to dine out?

As per health experts, it is sage to dine out unless you take precautions like frequently washing hands with soap or hand sanitizer and staying at least 3 feet away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. However, Corona virus is a respiratory illness that spreads through droplets, by an infected person by a cough or sneeze, to someone else’s nose or eyes. Till date, there’s no evidence that the illness is transmitted through food. By taking precautions, you can continue to dine out with fairly minimal risk, but it is advised to avoid mass gathering and to go out in risky situations. Especially older people and those with underlying conditions in areas where the virus is spreading should try to keep their distance from others and should stay at home, and that includes dining out.

Word of caution for everyone

However, the corona virus is not known to be transmitted through food but can spread easily through hard surfaces like utensils, menus, salt and pepper shakers, tables, condiments, door handles if having infected droplets. It is likely that you throughout your meal, each time you may touch something like menu while ordering, etc. you should keep in mind to avoid touching your face or eating until you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. However, it is a plus point that you can avoid this virus by using hand sanitizer as it is effective. Also, frequently washing your hands is also the best way and a protective measure. People who are feeling sick should not set food in restaurants to avoid spreading of corona virus.