Health Officials: COVID-19 Not Spread Through Food

In a time of uncertainty about public health and the future, United States health officials are trying to calm at least one fear some have had about COVID-19.

The virus that causes COVID-19 does not appear to spread through food, food packaging or food handling. This is according to a joint statement from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some people likely never worried about this potential mode of COVID-19 transmission. But some people did worry, especially at the start of the pandemic. If the virus could spread through food and food packaging, was getting your groceries delivered really even that safe? According to US health officials, the answer is yes.

"Our confidence in the safety of the U.S. food supply remains steadfast," health officials said in a statement published by the FDA. "Consumers should be reassured that we continue to believe, based on our understanding of currently available reliable scientific information, and supported by overwhelming international scientific consensus, that the foods they eat and food packaging they touch are highly unlikely to spread SARS-CoV-2."

The joint health agency statement pointed out that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that spreads through people. It is not a gastrointestinal illness or similar bug that commonly spreads through food. In theory, the virus could be spread through contaminated food or packaging. But that would require concentrations of the virus that simply do not happen often, according to research conducted over the past year.

"Given that the number of virus particles that could be theoretically picked up by touching a surface would be very small and the amount needed for infection via oral inhalation would be very high, the chances of infection by touching the surface of food packaging or eating food is considered to be extremely low," according to the statement.

Still, it is important to exercise caution in the ways that health officials have recommended. This includes wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands frequently.

If you are concerned about your risk for COVID-19, speak with your health care provider.