Northern Ireland

No evidence Covid-19 can be transmitted by food or packaging, according to Ireland’s food safety watchdog

There is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted by food or packaging, according to Safefood
There is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted by food or packaging, according to Safefood There is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted by food or packaging, according to Safefood

THERE is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted by food or packaging, according to Ireland’s food safety watchdog.

Safefood has also said "it's not necessary" to wash or disinfect food packaging when it is brought home from shops.

It comes amid reports people are washing their groceries before storing them with others leaving products for up to 72 hours to ensure there are no traces of the virus on the packaging.

While scientists say the virus could survive in droplets for up to three hours after being coughed out into the air, Safefood has said there is no proof that it can be transmitted by food or packaging.

As public health measures to deal with Covid-19 continue, the organisation - which promotes awareness and knowledge of food safety and nutrition issues on the island of Ireland - is reminding people of the steps to take to protect themselves when food shopping and storing food at home.

Dr Linda Gordon, chief specialist in microbiology with Safefood said: "Currently, there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging.

"However, it is always important to follow good hygiene practices when handling or preparing foods.

"You should always wash your hands and surfaces often, separate raw meat from other foods, cook to the right temperature and put food in the fridge as soon as you can.

"A question we’re being asked a lot is whether people should wash or disinfect food packaging when they bring it home from shopping.

"The simple answer is no - it’s not necessary to sanitize the outside of food packaging as there is no current evidence that the virus can be transmitted in this way.

"The main risk of transmission is from close contact with infected people.

"Our advice is to maintain good hygiene habits and to wash your hands regularly and to follow current public health guidelines re social distancing."

With more than £800m spent on groceries in Northern Ireland in just 12 weeks, Dr Gordon highlighted the importance of storing and handling food at home properly.

"As we would normally do, put away shopping as soon as you get it, especially perishable foods which must be stored in the fridge or freezer," she said.

"And always wash your hands after handling any food packaging and before you begin to prepare food.

"If you’re going food shopping for yourself or others, wash your hands before you go and, as soon as you come home and again after you unpack your shopping."