Coronavirus has rapidly spread to many parts of the world. Food safety and handling is of the utmost importance right now. There is no evidence to prove that Coronavirus can spread through food items, as of now. However, there are some precautions and generic guidelines you can follow to keep your food safe and free of germs.
- Before washing fruits and vegetables, wash your hands: ensure that your hands are clean. Wash them for at least 20 seconds prior to cleaning fruit and vegetable.
- Damage or Bruising: If damage or bruising occurs before eating or handling, cut away the damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating
- Rinse your produce well in running water: rinse in running water, followed by rubbing with hands. Rinse before you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.
- Do not use soap or any detergent: Gently rub while holding under plain running water. There is no need to use soap.
- Brush/Scrub: Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub fruits or vegetables.
- Dry with clean cloth or paper towel: Dry with clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.
Suggested: Vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator should be at or below 40° Celsius.
Dr. Anjum Fatima | Clinical Dietician | Narayana Multispeciality Hospital Mysore