The short answer is NO, there is currently no evidence that food is a likely transmission source of the virus.

The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) chief scientist, Marta Hugas, said: “Experiences from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), show that transmission through food consumption did not occur. At the moment, there is no evidence to suggest that coronavirus is any different in this respect.”

So what can you do?

There are some simple steps that you can do at work, at home or in your kitchen (if it is still operating) and these are:

• Wash and sanitise all surfaces and equipment used for food preparation. Remember that the item needs to be cleaned before it can be sanitised; otherwise the effect of the sanitiser is zero.
• Remember to clean the frequently used areas that often get missed such as the toilet flush button, door handles, hand rails, fridge doors and sink taps.
• Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation. Most food handlers will be doing this as a matter of course, however keep reminding them!
• Wash your hands after going to the toilet. This is not only going to stop the spread of viruses but a lot of other bacteria as well.
• Protect kitchen areas and food from insects, pests and other animals
• Ensure that there is access to places where workers, contractors, customers and visitors can wash their hands with soap and water.
  Encourage workers to routinely clean and disinfect surfaces with which they (or others) have come in contact.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be publishing some simple tips on COVID-19 and how you can keep yourself and your work colleagues safe.

If you’re looking for more information or just need some advice then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Daniel McConville is an OHS and Food Safety Consultant he helps clients reduce their risk and grow their business. To find out more you can contact us.

Is food a transmission source for COVID-19?