Published
The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) advise there is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food or food packaging. Read more in the ICMSF opinion on SARS-C0V-2 and its relationship to food safety.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease spreading from person to person. It's not a foodborne disease. There's no evidence to suggest people will get infected by swallowing the virus in, or on, food or drink.
Research has shown that the virus is inactivated in the acidic environment of the stomach, and is unlikely to reach the gastrointestinal tract and cause illness. Read more on the US National Library of Medicine National Health Institutes of Health website.
The main risk of transmission is from close contact with infected people. The best approach is to practise social distancing and to maintain good personal hygiene at all times. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid touching your face to reduce risk of infection.
We always recommend following food safety basics when handling any food.
Fruit and vegetables
Wash fresh fruit and vegetables under running water before eating. Don't use soap, disinfectants or detergents to wash your food. These cleaning products aren't designed for human consumption. They may actually be unsafe to use with food.
Meat
It's suspected COVID-19 may have originated in animals. It's not likely transmission to humans occurs through consumption of meat.
The WHO recommends that foods such as meat, poultry and eggs should always be thoroughly cooked; raw animal products should be handled with care to avoid cross-contamination; and meat from diseased animals should not be eaten.
In Australia all meat sold is subject to strict controls. These include requirements prohibiting the use of meat and offal from diseased animals for human consumption. It's unlikely that you need to take extra precautions for meat in Australia to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
We always recommend following food safety basics when handling any food.
Food businesses
Read more about preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses.