Food Safety for the COVID-19 Holiday Season

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covid food safetyThis holiday season, COVID-19 is still amongst us. Although we were hoping to have some relief for the holidays, it is now more important than ever that we do our part in protecting ourselves and others as we work together to control the spread of the virus.  

It is possible to get coronavirus by touching a surface or object, including food, food packaging, or utensils that have the virus on it and then touching our own mouth, nose, or eyes. It is always important to follow food safety practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, but we must take extra precautions this holiday season.  

At the Market:

  • Keep your shopping trip to 30 minutes or less.
    • Avoid peak shopping times.
    • Bring a shopping list and have substitutes in mind in case the store runs out of an item.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask the entire time while shopping.
  • Keep your distance from others and avoid touching your face.
  • If you are a senior, your local stores may offer senior shopping hours to help avoid the crowds.
  • It is not essential to clean the cart if you are careful about not touching your face and washing your hands after shopping.
    • Most stores offer sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer at the entrance. Many stores sanitize the carts several times a day as part of their regular cleaning procedures.
  • Gloves are not necessary if you wash your hands after shopping.
    • If you do wear gloves, remove them upon leaving the market. Many people often contaminate their phone or steering wheel with dirty gloves, defeating the purpose of wearing them.
  • There is no need to wipe down your groceries.
    • Scientists agree that the risk of catching coronavirus from a surface, including food containers, is extremely low. If it eases your mind, you can do a quick wipe with a soapy rag but most importantly, wash your hands really well after shopping and putting groceries away.
  • Online shopping with delivery is a lower-risk shopping option.
    • Wear a mask when accepting the delivery, and always wash your hands after unpacking the groceries.

Bottom Line: wear a well-fitting mask the entire time, avoid close contact with other shoppers, keep the trip short, and wash your hands.

For the Gathering:

  • Avoid buffet and potluck style parties.
    • Instead of setting food at the table or arranging it as a buffet, consider keeping food in the kitchen and having a designated food handler(s) to dish out the food.
    • Food handler(s) should wear a mask and clean gloves when serving food.
    • Do not allow guests to share serving utensils.
    • If guests are to bring food, encourage them to bring food and drinks for themselves and members of their own household only.
  • Identify a person to serve sharable items, like salad dressings, condiments, plates, and utensils.
  • Limit people going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen or around the grill.
  • Ensure everyone washes their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing, serving, and eating food and after taking the trash out.
    • If soap and water are not available, offer hand sanitizer.
  • Designate a space for guests to wash hands after handling or eating food.
  • Wash dishes in the dishwasher or with hot soapy water immediately following the gathering.
  • Change and launder linen items (i.e., seating covers, tablecloths, linen napkins) immediately following the event.

Check out more recommendations on Holiday Celebrations and Small Gatherings from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Other Considerations:

  • Life during a pandemic can be extra stressful. Check out my previous post, “Taking Time to Manage Stress.”
  • Certain vitamins and minerals may have effects on how our immune system works to fight off infections. Check out my previous article, “Boosting Immunity.”
  • If you or your household need help in obtaining nutritious food, find resources at USDA Nutrition Assistance Program or call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1.866.3HUNGRY to speak with a representative who will find food resources such as meal sites, food banks, and other social services available near your location.