Is the U.S. food supply safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Q: Are food products produced in the United States and exported a risk for the spread of COVID-19? A: No. There is no evidence that food produced in the United States can transmit COVID-19. Additionally, currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

Is it safe to accept food from countries or states impacted by the coronavirus?

Currently, there is no data to suggest that accepting food from an area impacted by COVID-19 is a risk factor for disease spread.

Is the U.S. food supply safe?

Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

Unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is a virus that causes respiratory illness and not gastrointestinal illness, and foodborne exposure to this virus is not known to be a route of transmission.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. It’s always important to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill.



Can you catch COVID-19 from food?

VERY UNLIKELY. There are no reports to date of people catching the novel coronavirus from eating food or handling food packaging.

There is no evidence that you can catch COVID-19 from eating food that may have the novel coronavirus on it.

Studies show that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is spread most commonly through coughs and sneezes and person-to-person contact. There is no evidence that it is spread through ingesting food.



What is the safest way to go out to eat during the COVID-19 pandemic?


Picking up food while wearing a mask or having it delivered to your door still remains a safest way to enjoy a meal that wasn't cooked at home. The CDC describes drive-through, delivery, takeout, and curbside pick up options as the lowest risk way to dine out.



Secretary Blinken Participates in a Virtual Joint Press Availability in the Philippines



Is it safe to eat from salad bars during the coronavirus outbreak?

In communities with sustained transmission of COVID-19, state and local health authorities have implemented social-distancing measures which discourage or prohibit dining in congregate settings. We also recommend discontinuing self-service buffets and salad bars until these measures are lifted.

What are the most common symptoms of the Omicron subvariant BA.5?

According to the University of California Davis Health, the reported symptoms of BA. 5 are similar to previous COVID variants: fever, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue.

Can I catch COVID-19 by eating food handled or prepared by others?

According to the CDC, the risk of getting COVID-19 by handling or consuming food from a restaurant, takeout, or drive through is very low.



Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through food or food packaging?

There is no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Can I get COVID-19 from a food worker handling my food?

Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

What foods to stock up on during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Healthy cooking oils, such as canola or olive oil.
• Balsamic vinegar, for flavor.
• Eggs. They last longer than many cold-storage foods.
• Milk. Consider shelf-stable milk or nondairy milk.
• Family packs of lean meat, fish and chicken. Separate these into smaller portions and freeze until needed.



What are the risks of food from takeout or drive-thru food?

  • There is no current indication that takeout or drive-thru meals will increase illness.
  • This option is a good risk management choice, especially for high risk and elderly groups because it reduces the number of touch points.


Is carry out grocery or getting it delivered at home safe during COVID-19?

Food deliveries and carry-out food Carry-out and delivery are generally considered low-risk activities for contracting or spreading COVID-19, and they are a great way to support your local business community during these difficult times. However, you can take some steps to further decrease the risk.

Is food imported from countries and states affected by the coronavirus at risk of spreading it?

  • Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.


Can I get the coronavirus disease from touching food or packaging if the coronavirus was present on it?

  • There is no indication that food packaging material has served in significant connection to virus transmission.
  • If concerned, handling of food packaging can be followed with handwashing and/or using hand sanitizer.


How long does the coronavirus live on different materials?

Depending on the surface, the virus can live on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. The new coronavirus seems to be able to survive the longest on plastic and stainless steel — potentially as long as three days on these surfaces. It can also live on cardboard for up to 24 hours.

Can you share dishes with others if you have COVID-19?

• Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
• Wash these items thoroughly after using them with soap and water or put in the dishwasher.



Will microwaving my takeout protect me from COVID-19?

According to the CDC, microwaves have been proven to kill bacteria and viruses when zapping the food from 60 seconds to five minutes. But not all microwaves emit the same power and cook in the same way.

How to handle dishes after COVID-19 patient?

• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any dishes, cups/glasses, or silverware used by the person who is sick with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.

What precautions should I take while preparing food at home during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Wash your hands, kitchen utensils, and food preparation surfaces, including chopping boards and countertops, before and after preparing fruits and vegetables. Clean fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting, or cooking, unless the package says the contents have been washed.

Can you get COVID-19 from touching infected surfaces?

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Can you contract the coronavirus disease by touching a surface?

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. The coronavirus is mostly spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets.

What are some symptoms of the COVID-19 Omicron subvariant BA.5?

Experts said that, in general, this subvariant does not have markedly divergent symptoms from earlier versions of Omicron. People infected with BA.5 may develop a cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, headaches and muscle pains.

What are some symptoms of the BA.5 subvariant of COVID-19?

Reported symptoms of BA. 5 are similar to previous COVID variants: fever, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue. “The good news is that the vast majority of breakthrough infections now are outpatient illnesses.

What are some of the symptoms of BA 4 & BA 5?

The U.K., where BA.4 and BA.5 infections also account for the majority of recent COVID cases, reported runny nose, sore throat, headache, persistent cough and fatigue as its most common symptoms last week.

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