It has been over a year since the first case of coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, China. The long and exhausting battle against the global pandemic has brought about a worldwide crisis. As many of us wait for our turn to get the vaccine, safety measures are still enforced to prevent any potential disaster.
Coronavirus Detected On Ice Cream
But just recently, according to Bloomberg, news of the coronavirus being detected on food raised concern to many people. The virus was reported to be discovered on ice cream produced in Eastern China. As a result, the government immediately issued a recall of the entire batch of ice cream cartons.
Reports from the local government revealed that the Daqiaodao Food Co., Ltd. in Tianjin was sealed because of the incident. Moreover, all of the company's employees were being tested for the coronavirus. And so far, there was no indication anyone had contracted the virus from the ice cream. The local government also stated that most of the cartons from the recalled batch had not been sold.
Meanwhile, 390 cartons were sold in the Tianjin area but are now being tracked down. Local authorities were being notified of sales within their areas. Related reports said that the ingredients included whey powder from Ukraine and New Zealand milk powder.
Do Not Be Concerned, Experts Say
Despite the growing concern over the recent news, a report from Kags TV stated that local health care experts advise people not to be anxious. Dr. Marcia Ory from Texas A&M School of Public Health said that the virus could survive in the air for several hours and it can stay for 24 hours on cardboard.
Other surfaces like plastic or stainless steel can live for several days. She also noted that it is highly unlikely for coronavirus to be transmitted to humans through food. However, she advised that everyone should remain cautious and continue to practice sanitary protocols.
After a trip to the grocery, it is best to wash your hands upon getting home. Wiping down and sanitizing kitchen counters and other surfaces around the house is essential. It is also best to pay attention to heavily touched areas around the house and do a thorough cleaning one to three times daily.
Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention echoes these by saying that the risk of getting sick with COVID-19 from handling food and food packages is considered very low. It is also considered the same from the food you cook or from handling and consuming food from food establishments and takeout or drive-thru meals.
Related article: Can Frozen Food Packaging Keep Coronavirus Alive?
Food products, food packaging, or bags also have a very low risk of having the coronavirus. Currently, there was no evidence to prove that handling food is associated with COVID-19. Subsequently, there is no evidence that food is related to spreading the virus.
Despite the absence of strong evidence linking food handling to the spread of coronavirus, it is always important to follow acceptable food safety practices to reduce illness risk. Furthermore, aside from abiding by the safety protocols, eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also essential.
Read also: China Defends Food Import Controls as Way to Prevent COVID-19 Spread
