Q&A

How should I wash fruits and Vegetables after bringing them from super market during COVID-19 pandemic?

How should I wash fruits and Vegetables after bringing them from super market during COVID-19 pandemic?

Wash or scrub fruits and vegetables under running water—even if you do not plan to eat the peel.Germs on the peeling or skin can get inside fruits and vegetables when you cut them.

  • Washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash is not recommended.

    • Can fruits carry the coronavirus?

    As all Americans struggle to adapt to the reality of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to know that there is no evidence people can be exposed through food.The spread pattern for coronavirus is quite different from those of foodborne pathogens like salmonella and E. coli.

    Can I get COVID-19 from food?

    See full answerCurrently there is no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. If you are concerned about contamination of food or food packaging, wash your hands after handling food packaging, after removing food from the packaging, before you prepare food for eating and before you eat. Consumers can follow CDC guidelines on frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.It is always important to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill.

    How should produce be handled during the COVID-19 pandemic?

    Consider using hand sanitizer before and after selecting produce items.

  • Avoid touching multiple produce items when making selections.
  • As per good food handling practices in general, wash hands before food preparation or eating, avoid touching the face and consider supplementing handwashing with the use of hand sanitizer.

    • How to properly wash fruits and vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic?

    Wash or scrub fruits and vegetables under running water—even if you do not plan to eat the peel. Germs on the peel or skin can get inside fruits and vegetables when you cut them. Washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash is not recommended .

    Are there special precautions to take while eating fresh produce?

    COVID-19 is not known to be caused from eating contaminated food, so safety of fresh produce should not be a concern relative to this new virus.

  • Follow good food safety practices whenever preparing, storing, or consuming foods.

    • Can I catch COVID-19 by eating food handled or prepared by others?

    According to the CDC, the risk of getting COVID-19 by handling or consuming food from a restaurant, takeout, or drive through is very low.

    Can COVID-19 survive on food or packaging?

    Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. If you are concerned about contamination of food or food packaging, wash your hands after handling food packaging, after removing food from the packaging, before you prepare food for eating and before you eat.

    Can I get COVID-19 from a food worker handling my food?

    Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

    What are some precautions to take when storing groceries during the coronavirus disease pandemic?

    Before eating, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush. For canned goods, remember to clean lids before opening. When unpacking groceries, refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables—like berries, lettuce, herbs, and mushrooms—within 2 hours of purchasing.Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen counters using a commercially available disinfectant product.

    What are the risks of food from takeout or drive-thru food?

    There is no current indication that takeout or drive-thru meals will increase illness.

  • This option is a good risk management choice, especially for high risk and elderly groups because it reduces the number of touch points.

    • Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through food and food packaging?

    The USDA and the FDA are sharing this update based upon the best available information from scientific bodies across the globe, including a continued international consensus that the risk is exceedingly low for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans via food and food packaging.

    How do you clean fruits and vegetables before cooking?

    Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There’s no need to use soap or a produce wash. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.

    What vegetables need to be washed before cooking?

    Leafy greens. Spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, leeks, and cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts and bok choy should have their outermost layer removed, then be submerged in a bowl of cool water, swished, drained, and rinsed with fresh water. Delicate produce.

    How do you preserve fresh vegetables without refrigeration?

    Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables like potatoes and carrots with a vegetable brush under running tap water. Soaking produce or storing produce in standing water or ice is not recommended for most types of fresh produce.

    How do you clean fresh produce?

    Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There’s no need to use soap or a produce wash. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present. Remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.