Many of us are totally consumed with watching the news to be as up-to-date as possible to stay safe these days. But have you seen some questionable food safety practices along the way?
I know I have. Just the other day, I saw a friend post to social media about how she was (incorrectly) washing her produce. I knew I had to do my part to clear the air! At least, from an appropriate distance in self-isolation of course.
I took to Instagram Stories to see which burning questions were most common. While I was there, I stumbled upon this helpful video from one of my clients, Jack Link’s. But handwashing is only one part of safe cooking at home!
Thank you to everyone who responded and shared what they wanted to know. I gathered up some answers and resources about food safety in your kitchen. Read these best practices for shopping and storing food so you can practice safe cooking at home.
What should I do when I’m grocery shopping?
Many retailers remain open, even in cities or locations where a Stay-At-Home or Shelter-In-Place order has been issued. If you can, try to remain away from public spaces as much as possible and practice safe social distancing (minimum six feet) whenever possible.
Many stores have allowed special shopping hours for health care workers, at-risk populations, or elderly shoppers. Try to avoid going during these times to better protect others and yourself. Additionally, try to avoid bringing an entourage with you. It may not be possible to leave the kids at home or go alone every time, but each additional person you bring with you multiplies the number of potential paths for transmission. Sanitize your shopping cart or basket as best you can and minimize any extra items you bring inside (like purses or reusable shopping bags, which many stores aren’t allowing for the time being).
Supplement your handwashing efforts with hand sanitizer before and after touching the produce you plan to purchase. As tempting as it may be, try to avoid touching your face with your hands and avoid touching multiple pieces of produce as much as you can.
Another good practice is to consolidate your trips to either shop less often, at fewer stores or both. Shelf-stable items, such as rice, pasta, oats, beef jerky, canned or frozen fruits and veggies, beans, and more can all help you avoid running out to restock every few days.
I make sure to pick up at least a few bags of Jack Link’s when I make my once-weekly trip to the store. It’s an easy, grab-and-go snack even though I’m not going anywhere these days! Plus, it’s a high-quality protein made from lean cuts of 100% beef, which helps keep me fuller, longer. If you’ve experienced the whole “walk to the kitchen just to see what’s magically appeared since last time” game, you know this is key when you’re cooped up at home!
What should I do once I get my food home?
First, be sure to bring your food inside right away – don’t leave it in a vehicle or outdoors for extended periods of time. If using a delivery service, you can sign for orders using your own pen and continue to practice social distancing as much as possible. Limit contact with your delivery drivers, but don’t limit tips if you’re financially able to support them!
Wipe down and sanitize any contact points such as door handles, kitchen countertops, and your cabinet or refrigerator handles. Store cold items immediately and be sure to freeze anything you don’t plan to use in the next 2-5 days.
If you are at increased risk or live with someone high-risk, it may also be wise to leave your shoes at the door and change out of the clothing you were wearing. However, keep in mind that as a respiratory virus, COVID-19 is spread through droplets and is more often transferred through airborne avenues, versus on surfaces such as clothing or the bottoms of your shoes.
Can food or food packages spread the virus?
In short, the answer is, “No,” or “Unlikely.”
That’s because food itself is a biological surface – whether it’s a fruit, vegetable, whole grain, or animal protein, most food surfaces are not the type of environment where this particular virus can survive. It is more stable on hard surfaces, such as stainless steel or plastic, but following proper food safety practices and using precautions in your home and significantly minimize the chance of transferring COVID-19 through food. You will still be able to cook safely under quarantine!
The most important precaution you can take is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. I really appreciate how many of my partners and clients are doing their part to spread awareness to avoid spreading the virus.
For example, Jack Link’s teamed up with their mascot, Sasquatch, to demonstrate the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for handwashing. Check it out!
Do I need to disinfect food packages?
No. Food packages are not considered a high risk for transmission, according to the CDC. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assured us that our food supply is safe. Safe cooking under quarantine is very much still an option, even if your normal social activities are not.
Although COVID-19 may survive for longer periods of time on hard surfaces, food packages are unlikely to spread the virus. Food products and packages are shipped and stored at ambient or chilled temperatures for days or weeks. Again, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer after touching food packages during shopping, storing, or cooking at home.
The CDC does not classify COVID-19 as a foodborne illness, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to follow standard food safety guidelines.
When is the best time to wash my hands for cooking?
Ideally, you’d wash your hands multiple times during the process of shopping, storing, and cooking food in your home kitchen.
- When you get home from the store and unload shopping bags
- After storing food items in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry
- Before you begin cooking, including before handling any raw produce, animal protein, or packages
- After handling raw meat
- Before serving and eating your meal
Hand sanitizer is also an option. Use it after handling food packages or touching items from your shopping cart or basket.
How should I wash fresh produce?
Before cooking, you guessed it: wash your hands again, then rinse your fresh produce under running water. You can use your hands or a gentle scrub brush for hard or firm produce, like apples or cucumbers, but be more gentle with softer fruits and veggies. It’s also a good practice to wash produce with a thick rind or skin if you’ll be cutting into it (such as an avocado or melon).
If you bought packaged fruits or vegetables, such as lettuce or salad greens labeled “ready-to-eat” or “triple washed”, there is no need to wash again. Just be sure to avoid using soap, detergent, bleach, or chlorine when washing your produce. These household cleaning products are not intended to be ingested and can be harmful.
And as for soaking produce in the kitchen sink? Well, I don’t know about you but I’m not as diligent with scrubbing or disinfecting my sink as often as I should be. Stick to rinsing under running water just to be sure you’re not transferring other germs or pathogens onto your freshly cleaned produce.
