Grocery Store Advice

More advice that there is no need to panic in the grocery store.

Dr. Jeff Farber is a University of Guelph Food Microbiologist
QUOTE: "To date, there have been no reports of any illnesses linked to food or food packaging and the COVID-19 virus".

GUELPH — A trip to the grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic need not cause panic.

A Guelph food microbiologist said a few simple precautions can keep people healthy while shopping for groceries and when the food comes home — and that does not include disinfecting every item bought.

"To date, there have been no reports of any illnesses linked to food or food packaging and the COVID-19 virus," said Prof. Jeff Farber, in the University of Guelph's food science department and director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety.

Farber said there are many misunderstandings about the role of food in the spread of COVID-19.

One big myth is that all fruits and vegetables should be washed with soap.

"This is definitely not recommended," Farber said.

Rather than helping, the soap could cause sickness including vomiting and diarrhea.

Washing fruits and vegetables under cold running water is the best approach at any time, including during the pandemic.

He said it's also unnecessary to sanitize each and every item brought home.

"You should be putting them on a surface that you can easily clean," Farber said.

Once all the groceries are put away, clean the surface and then wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Also be sure to wash your hands when first getting home from the store.

Regular hand washing is the best defence to avoid infection during the pandemic, along with not touching your face.

When going to the grocery store, clean your hands with sanitizing gel or wipes on the way both in and out or after touching a surface.