Grocery Shopping FAQ
There's no doubt we're all living in a different world right now. Your daily routine has been disrupted and things that you used to do may be a cause for concern now. Rules surrounding grocery shopping, in particular, are changing weekly; from wearing masks, to walking one way down the aisle, to now waiting in line to get inside, but what should you do with the food that you bring home with you? Here are some guidelines to follow after you get home from the grocery store to maintain hygiene and safety.
- Wash your hands – for at least 20 seconds - immediately upon returning home and prior to putting your items away.
- COVID-19 is known to be spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, and while there is no evidence to support the idea that the disease can be transferred to food packaging, you may choose to wipe down your packaged grocery items and let them air dry.
- Rinse your fresh produce under water and scrub with a produce brush. This includes fruits and vegetables with a rind that is not eaten. Do not use bleach or other cleaning solutions to wash your produce.
- Wash the tops of your canned goods should be washed prior to opening.
- Refrigerate or freeze your perishable items, like meats, eggs, and berries, within 2 hours of purchasing to maintain their freshness and prevent foodborne illness.
- Regularly clean your counters with sanitizing solution.
Remember to purchase only what you need for the next week or two. Taking more than what you need creates shortages for others. Additionally, grocery stores are instructed to follow new rules and guidelines given to them by the state officials. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of your local store to help keep yourself and others safe.
