In times of global panic and pandemic, it is sometimes difficult to know where to turn for updated, accurate information. Luckily, we have got you covered with this post. Many people have questions about food right now, and have concerns about whether food is safe or will be adequately supplied moving forward in an uncertain future.

The following questions and answers come from credible sources, and are equipped with the most up-t-date information. They have also all been linked back to the source (either directly in the article or at the end of the post, under “Resources”) as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

Is COVID-19 transmitted through food?

No, at this time the virus is not known to be transmitted through food. The FDA, CDC, and state networks and partners are continuing to work to investigate foodborne illness and outbreaks through coordinated response teams. There is also no evidence of transmission through packaging.

Will there be foodborne illness outbreaks due to COVID-19?

COVID-19 is unlike foodborne gastrointestinal illness (GI), such as norovirus, which can make one ill through contaminated food. COVID-19 causes a viral respiratory illness and not GI illness.

Will there be a shortage of food in my community? 

As of the most recent data, the nation has been experiencing only temporary shortages in inventory of certain foods. In other words, there are only temporary shortages before restock and no nationwide shortages of food. There have not been any wide disruptions of the food supply chain lately. The FDA reports that it is closely monitoring the situation through their industry and partners at both the federal and state levels by way of regular contact with manufacturers and stores.

I am employed by the food industry or employ those in the food industry. Do I need to ask if my workers have been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19? How should I respond to this?

Guidelines regarding this issue have been set by state and local authorities. An employee with confirmed COVID-19 employers should inform their fellow employees of their risk of exposure in the workplace, but should work to maintain confidentiality. If you are sick with COVID-19, visit the following link for more information:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf

Employers can consult with their local health department for additional guidance, recommendations, and procedures. Facilities should follow protocols set by local and state health departments. These may vary depending upon the spread of COVID-19 in a given community.

A directory of local health departments can be found hear: https://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory

Does my home, facility, or other related equipment need to be cleaned in a specific or different way to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

General Information

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of products meeting their criteria for protecting against COVID-19. You can find it by clicking the following link:

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Households that have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 can visit the following link for as current as possible recommendations regarding the following:

• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• Contact with infected persons in the household
• Clothing, towels, linens, and other laundry items
• Hand hygiene
• Other preventative measures and considerations

Visit this link for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html

Food Manufacturers are encouraged to follow their current hazard analysis, risk-based preventive controls, and food safety plans. Requirements for maintaining clean and sanitized facilities and surfaces that come in contact with food should be followed, especially during this time. Facilities are required to use EPA-registered sanitizers in cleaning and sanitization practices.

You can also check with your local health officials for accurate information that can guide an appropriate response in the location where you operate your business.

Is it safe to eat at self-serve food buffets or salad bars? 

In areas that have not implemented social-distancing measures, it is recommended that extra precautions are taken. Beyond following the 4 key steps to food safety (clean, separate, cook, and chill), food-service workers should wash their hands, change their gloves, and clean and sanitize counters, surfaces, and containers frequently. Customers should wash their hands before and after touching surfaces (especially shared surfaces) and serving utensils.

Areas that have implemented social-distancing measures are encouraged to prohibit dining in congregate dining and retail settings. It is also recommended to discontinue self-serve buffets and salad bars until these measures have been lifted.

How are industry workers being affected?

Workers in the Food and Agriculture sector, which includes production, processing, distribution, retail and service as well as allied industries, have been named part of the critical, essential workforce.

What types of workers are advised to wear facemasks to prevent exposure to COVID-19?

Face-masks are only advised at the current time if a healthcare professional has recommended it. However, you are welcome to wear a mask as a preventative measure, assuming that you do not purchase supplies in excess of what you need.

What are the best resources for updated and accurate information?

The FDA is continually updating their website, including daily. Some of the latest updates concerning food are that retail chains continue to remain strong and that the food and agriculture workers and industry sectors are fulfilling critical, essential roles in their communities (1). The FDA’s website currently hosts other Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) in English and Spanish. You can check their site frequently to make sure you are aware of the most up-to-date information from verified sources.

The table below contains links to government and other agency websites you can trust for information.

RESOURCES

1. Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Stephen M. Hahn M.D. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA takes further steps to help mitigate supply interruptions of food and medical products. 2020. Accessed at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-takes-further-steps-help-mitigate-supply-interruptions-food-and