In this time we’re in, unlike any other experienced in our lifetime, I thought it would be helpful to share some sensible Coronavirus food safety tips, covering how to sanitise food and what I’m doing to ensure food safety.
SUMMARY
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Coronavirus believed to survive up to 3 days on surfaces
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Wash all fresh produce in warm soapy water
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Only eat cooked foods to be extra cautious
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For the vulnerable – extra precaution – wash all food jars and packets, and personal hygiene items that will touch your face
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Skip takeout from fast food joints. Support local restaurants by asking for takeaway food you can reheat at home.
Background
Though Coronavirus cannot be passed through food because it needs a living host to survive, it does persist on surfaces. The exact time is still unknown, but the World Health Organisation says it may be for a few hours or up to 3 days. (Excerpt here)
Accordingly, I sanitise my fresh produce – and in this post I explain how I do it.
How to sanitise food
I wash all my fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) in warm soapy water just like I’m doing the dishes. I used to use just water – or salt or vinegar for some things.
Grossed out? I was too, initially. But you can’t taste the detergent and even lettuce remains crispy if you use this method:
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Fill sink with hot water and some detergent – as though you are about to do the dishes;
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Fill a 2nd sink with cold water (or clean bucket or similar);
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Separate stems/leaves for things like spinach and lettuce for easy access to clean;
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Plunge fruit and vegetables into soapy water. Swish it around and scrub if necessary. Work in small batches to reduce time in hot water;
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Transfer into cold water to rinse off suds. Work quickly so lettuce and other perky veg doesn’t wilt;
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Dry – Pile onto dish rack and colanders to drain and dry; and
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Store as you ordinarily do.
I clean all vegetables whether I intend to cook with them or not because:
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I store all my produce bundled/piled together; and
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it is not yet known at what temperature Coronavirus is killed during cooking (or how long you have to cook for).
If you can’t be bothered or don’t have time to go through the above, I’d recommend only eating cooked foods. (Or if you want to be extra cautious) The longer you cook, the safer it gets (not yet any definitive guidance on how long you need to cook for).
Vinegar and salt – not as effective
In the past, I’d wash produce with just water, or use either salt or vinegar in a sink full of water to clean my produce. But it’s pretty well documented that while this will kill bugs and some bacteria, it doesn’t kill viruses.
Some general points
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Meat, fish, seafood – I don’t wash because they’re cooked
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Food and ingredients in cans, jars and packets – I don’t wash but see note below for vulnerable people
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Dried beans scooped from bins – cooked so I don’t wash
Vulnerable people – extra measures
I do not generally wash jars of sauces and spreads, cans of beans or packets of noodles – though today, I did wash a can of tuna I had just bought in the morning because I ate it straight out of the can (desperate food on the run!).
However, if I had a vulnerable person in my household (elderly or weak immune system) then I would wash every single item that entered the kitchen OR “quarantine” them for 3 days (eg in a box, separate fridge):
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bottles and jars of sauces, spreads
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cans of vegetables
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packets of noodles, dried beans, frozen vegetables
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bottles of fruit juice, drinks
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packets of dried herbs
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meat (wash the packet)
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toothpaste, face wash, shaving cream and any personal hygiene things that will be used on the face
Paper packaging
For things like flour and sugar that are sometimes in paper packaging (where water would soak through), I would wipe the packets down with disinfectant wipes, or spray then wipe.
Things that are cooked have an extra safety net, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
No fast food. Make it yourself.
If there was ever a time to make homemade meals, it would be now.
Skip the fast food. KFC, Maccers, Dominos. The big chains that operate like factories who hire kids to work after school.
….BUT support your locals. MY IDEAS!!
On the other hand, as I offer advice to avoid takeout, I also feel a strong moral and sentimental obligation to support our hard working and incredibly talented hospitality industry.
Restaurant workers can’t work from home. They can’t teleconference in.
So the pandemic threatens to wipe out restaurants, cafes and bars across our country.
I believe the hygiene management practices of reputable establishments are far better than any I can do in my own home. These people are professionals!
One girl and her dog can’t save an entire industry, but she CAN offer suggestions to help support local businesses:
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Ask your favourite restaurants (no matter how fancy!) for takeaway food that can be reheated at home;
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Skip fast food. Now is not the time for Maccers or Dominos. Use your takeout budget to support the family run businesses and reputable restaurants;
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Talk to the restaurant owners and read their website – hear what they’re doing to make things safe for diners. It will bring you comfort (this is what I did at my local bistros and favourite city restaurants);
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Gift vouchers!!!
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Organise a fancy fine dining dinner party IN with your favourite people! Take out from your favourite restaurants and save a ton of money by drinking your own booze and no cab fare home! Many high end dining establishments in Sydney are now looking to offer home meals as a creative means to address their empty restaurants (here’s the Gourmet Traveller live list) – and I’m hoping this is happening around the world.
Let’s support the hard working locals who put their heart and soul into making incredible food for us to enjoy during the good times. Now it’s OUR TURN to support them during the hard times. I’m taking friends to my favourite local Afghani restaurant tomorrow night!
Stay positive – we will get through this!
To everybody who is struggling in these hard times – stay strong! We are all in it together. In my very small way, I want to try to help how I can – by trying to keep your life delicious by providing efficient meal plans and tips for smart pantry items so you don’t waste money and food on wild panic buying sprees.
If you are feeling down, leave a message on one of these posts I’ve been sharing about Coronavirus. I feel so incredibly fortunate to be part of a wonderful community of readers from all around the world who takes the time to help each other out, especially during difficult times like this.
Think positive.
Act responsibly.
Be kind to others.
Stay safe and well! – Nagi x
Life of Dozer
Available for virtual hugs, 24-7!
Carol Koransky says
Best website I have seen for practical, helpful advice. Love the tone, photos and impressive information that is to the point and easy to use. Thank you for putting this all together.
Nagi says
Thanks so so so much Carol!! N x
Carmen Evans says
Thanks Nagi, who would have guessed we would need to treat our fresh foods with such fussiness, but rightly so. Take care all, these are stressful times.
Nagi says
It’s a good habit to adopt anyway – we will get through this! N x
Dianne Deane says
Hi Nagi. Thanks for your information here.
I live in NZ & we don’t have any fast food places open, in fact we only have supermarkets, pharmacies & service stations plus the essential services to replenish the above. Therefore we have to make everything from scratch unless pre-made in the supermarket. We are having to be very innovative & your recipes are certainly helping me. Also our Toilet Paper GRAB has slowed down here as we make our own in NZ. Thankfully I work for an essential service, we deliver fuel, so I’m able to move about a bit more freely, more carefully though. Thanks again for your inspirations & positive words. Please take care & be safe everyone 🙂
Lynda says
We’ve gone into stage 3 lockdown in Victoria, have to be at home unless essential svce or quick run to shops. Only 2 people are allowed to gather, none into homes. Distance 1 1/2 metres. Can walk around the block for exercise, not with a group. Retail mostly shut, except supermarkets which reduced open times ramping up deliveries. We’ll get through this. Be safe Dianne.
Nagi says
That’s so lovely of you Dianne, we are all going to come out of this as AMAZING cooks!! N x
Karen ASPINALL says
Dear NAGI
During these terrible times of Covid 19 as much as it would feel safe to be with friends and family, if they do not live with you then don’t repeat don’t have a dinner party with them. Every time you bring another person into your personal area you are risking being infected and by that you infecting others, including your vulnerable elderly family members. The virus is able to be passed on before anyone is symptomatic, meaning your friend will look completely healthy and swear on a stack of bibles that they have been super cautious but will be shedding the virus onto others. Why? Because four days ago she had picked up a can of seasoned tuna at the store and threw it in their cart after holding it for several seconds checking the ingredients and making sure it’s the one she wanted. Then she quickly finished her shopping not wanting to be exposed to unknown people very long. While waiting at the long checkout line she decided to quickly apply some lipgloss because her lips were so dry they were burning. The lipgloss was the kind that’s applied with your finger. Then she used a wipe to clean her hands. After she got home your friend washed her hands thoroughly and proceeded to sanitize the groceries she had brought in. Your friend is now infected. Even though she thought she followed s all safety precautions. She had unthinkingly applied that lipgloss. And because she has no symptoms means nothing. She will come to your safe home and accidentally infect you and your guests in another unwitting way.
There are so many times we touch our faces without thinking, an itch, a sneeze because of allergies to grasses or perfumes, makeup applications or the many other possible reasons. Then we’ll think I better wash my hands I’ve just gone grocery shopping. It’s too late, the infection has already been asked in. It’s deadly to some people of all ages. It’s deadly to more elderly people and other vulnerable ones. The experts do not know the exact path or all the answers to be able to say all the details about Covid 19 with certainty.
Stay safe and only be with people you live with and even keep thinking about how you interact with them as well. x
PS or have some fun and have a FaceTime or Skype dinner with your other friends. Everyone order from the same restaurant or if you want to host you pay to deliver to them.
Nagi says
Thanks for you concern Karen – this post was put out before we had restrictions in place, so obviously now it’s not relevant and we should be isolating ourselves. N x
Carmen Evans says
Well said! Yes very unpredictable times, caution at all times is needed.
Kim Bates says
Thank you for all the wonderful, helpful information and recipes. You are officially my favorite food person to follow and I will share the shit !
Stay safe!!
Adrienne says
Thank you so much for all the information re washing food and lists of things to have on hand. Unlike many people, as an essential service worker (who lives alone), I am not able to run to the supermarket every time a delivery arrives so it’s quite stressful because I’m at work.
I am getting bits and pieces on the weekend when I can and although I feel uncertain as to what’s coming, I know I’ll be able to feed myself and my children when they visit to check on me.
the photos of Dozer make me so happy! I don’t have a pet at the moment so thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with all of us!
Stay safe and well!
Nagi says
And it’s a good habit to develop at any time Adrienne! N x
Bonnie says
Nagi, many thanks yes all hang in and you know this is fun I get to do a lot of home cooking now baking cookies making bread oh the good old days! Be safe all!
Nagi says
Love this Bonnie! Happy baking!! N x
Liz says
This is smart, insightful advice, Nagi. Thank you & be well! (Also, you are my favorite foodie. I have made so many of your recipes and share them with others.) Wishing you the best from Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA.
Nagi says
Thanks so much Liz!!
Judy says
Thank you for all the information you give us. When I go to the market I get the bags from the vegetable department and put them on my hands to pick up all the things I buy. Then when I get home I use the sanitizers to wipe everything down as I take them out of my bags. I also wash all my bags.
Nagi says
Great idea Judy!! N x
Kris Barber says
Thanks for the smart info about sanitizing our foods. Good stuff! Also thanks for the pic of your produce in the dish drainer. Was as beautiful as any of your cooked food pics. Stay well, be blessed, hug Dozer.
Nagi says
Thanks so much Kris!! N x
Patricia says
Thanks so much for the info on extra care for the vulnerable. I will post them on a community website who helps neighbours. Take good care and a Hug to Dozer!
Nagi says
That’s great to hear Patricia! N x
Mary says
Nagi, you are crazy smart. Thank you so much for this insightful post, so important druing these crazy times. I whole heartedly agree, support small and local businesses. Cheers and stay safe.
Nagi says
Thanks so much Mary! ❤️
Catherine Beverly says
I love your posts and photos of Dozer, thank you!
Why is Dozer wearing a yellow bath robe?
Nagi says
I knew he’d steal the show!! He’s generally wet after the park or if he’s had a bath I’ll put him in his robe 🙂
Lorraine says
As someone over 65 and with both high blood pressure and asthma, I’ve been doing my best to stay safe. But as I’ve been standing in my kitchen preparing a side salad to go with my dinner, or a salad sandwich for lunch, I’ve been really wondering just how safe those raw vegetables are. For eg, I thought that you weren’t meant to wash mushrooms – just wipe them to remove any dirt. And what about my carrots – should I start peeling them? So I was really happy to read this article, though washing things in soapy water that will be eaten raw, was a little surprising I must admit. Anyway, thank you as always for your very informative and helpful information. Oh, and I loved your assorted rice recipes! 😊
Nagi says
I’m so happy it was useful for you Lorraine, stay safe ❤️ N x
Sylvia says
Your emails in the morning certainly brighten my day…
Thank you so much!
Nagi says
Thanks so much Sylvia – I love hearing this!! N x
Nancy says
I think it’s spelled “sanitize” 🙂
Wow, lots of great ideas!!
Thank you! I love your blog!
Nagi says
Depends on where you are located Nancy – here we spell it with an “S” 🙂
Lizzie says
It’s spelled sanitise here in Aus but it all means the same thing! Like surprise and surprise….let’s get through this together, thank you Nagi! x
LC says
the spelling with a ‘z’ is American, spelling with an ‘s’ is Australian/UK. Nagi is an Aussie 🙂
Dawm says
Nagi , you are a breath of fresh air, please keep on doing what you are doing. Thank you .D
Nagi says
Oh thank you!!! N x
Maria says
I adore your website
Nagi says
Thanks so much Maria! N x
Ludmilla says
Great web site. Enjoy your recipes
Jana says
Nagi, I bought some organic chard and kale about 4 days ago and I did wash it, well I sprayed it under warm water with Mrs Meyers, then dried it, bundled it with a damp paper towel and put it in the fridge. Are you saying we shouldn’t eat these raw now?
I cooked some of it up but I ate the stems raw while I was cooking. Gulp. Was that bad?
Now I’m worried. And I’m just getting over being sick too.
Nagi says
Jana – don’t be worried, the authorities say it is VERY unlikely it is passed through food and if you washed it, you’ve already taken an extra step. Cooking food was just my recommendation for people who are very nervous or need to be extra cautious. I am thinking of people such as those who have cancer with weak immune systems, people like that. All these steps I’m suggesting are just for precaution, and good habits to get into. PS I eat raw veg all the time still, after washing it 🙂 Hugs – N x
Jana says
Thanks Nagi. I’m not immunocompromised but I do have asthma. So ya, I’m being extra careful. I’m also 65 but I have no chronic illnesses other than the above. I’ve been taking advantage of instacart here then I spray or wipe down everything with a killer disinfectant, even my mail‼️. Please take care of yourself and Dozer!!
Mohamed Raafat says
Nagi many thanks for your knowledge I appreciated and my hugs to you and Dozzer hope to be all in good health and best case. please I would ask if you can tell us the best drinks we can made at home that give us strong immunology
Nagi says
Hi Mohamed – great idea, I’ll have to think about this for another post! N x