The preparation, transportation, and most importantly, delivery of food to the consumer also carries the risk of human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus.
The Covid 19 pandemic not only dealt a heavy blow to the gastronomy industry but also deeply affected our nutrition system. Stay-home warnings made by experts are very important to get rid of the virus, but due to our basic needs, our connection with the outside is inevitable. This virus is not transmitted through food. However, the preparation of food, its transportation, and most importantly its delivery to the consumer brings the risk of human-to-human transmission. It is very important for the consumer to be meticulous and for the food businesses to show the necessary sensitivity to hygiene.

Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases Specialist explained the points to be considered in order to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission in shopping.

What to Consider While Shopping for Protection from the Coronavirus Pandemic?

What should consumers pay attention to while shopping for food? What precautions should markets take?

It will be useful to put an alcohol-based antiseptic solution for the customer's hand hygiene at the market entrances. Customers should be taken into the market by a staff member in a controlled manner to prevent congestion. Products should be selected first by eye before buying. If there is another person in the same aisle while shopping, a distance of 2 meters must be maintained with that person. In cases where this is not possible, shopping should not be done in the same aisle at the same time. Ensuring that the counter where the products are placed is clean and hygienic should be one of the main duties of the market. It is a correct practice for the cashiers to clean their hands after every shopping instead of using gloves, and not touching the mouth, nose, and eyes. In this period, it will be useful to use 0.1 percent sodium hypochlorite for general cleaning in the markets.

What is the survival time of this virus on surfaces such as bags, plastic, and cardboard? How should precautions be taken?

A study by experts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Health, UCLA, and Princeton University examined how long the virus remains contagious on different surfaces. They found that SARS-CoV-2 is detectable for up to 4 hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel. SARS-CoV2, which is the causative agent of Covid-19, is transmitted through the respiratory tract. Many disease-causing microorganisms can be found in foodstuffs. The most important point is to keep our hands clean. The risk arises only when the nose, mouth, and eyes are touched with dirty hands, and this is how it is transmitted. Otherwise, no matter what surface it is adhered to, there no contamination occurs from these surfaces by inhalation.

What should I do before putting vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator?

It is sufficient to wash vegetables and fruits in accordance with general hygiene conditions. It is like soaking vinegar in water and washing it under running water.

For example, is it necessary to keep fruits such as oranges and tangerines outside for some time? If necessary, for how long?

There is no information about the waiting period for shopping bags and similar packages coming from outside. The recommendation is to put such bags in a corner on the kitchen balcony as soon as you enter the house, without touching anything, and to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds immediately. The risk of contamination with materials arises only if hands are not washed and come into contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Are the takeaways of the businesses safe?

During this period, the ideal is to cook at home and consume them fresh. Foods, especially meat, should be well cooked and raw foods should not be consumed.

Soap, vinegar, bleach, cologne... Which one is more effective on the virus?

Soap, bleach, and alcohol are known to be effective on the virus. When 0.1 percent sodium hypochlorite is applied to floors and surfaces, it is an inexpensive, simple, and effective cleaning method.

How important is nutrition in the prevention of this virus?

Body resistance is one of the most important key points in the prevention of this disease. In this respect, it is important to have a balanced diet and to take adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that should be taken daily. In addition, adequate water intake, regular sleep, and protection of intestinal flora are also important in keeping the immune system strong.

If You Need to Wear a Mask, Pay Attention to:

Wash hands before wearing the mask,

Not to touch the mask after wearing the mask, clean hands if touched,

Change the mask every 4 hours,

After the mask is taken off, to put it in a bag and throw it into the trash can, and clean your hands again.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

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