VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The FDA and the CDC both state that these is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.

Yet there are things that you can do to be safe. Wash your hands for 20 seconds at home before you go to the store, disinfect hand with a hand sanitizer after you leave the store, and wash them again when you arrive home, and lastly after you have put your groceries away. And wipe down your countertops where you set your groceries with a disinfectant after your groceries are put away.

You do not need to wipe down every food item if you follow good hand hygiene practices.
Time is really on our side. As soon as the virus lands on a surface, it starts to lose infectiousness. After 24 hours the vast majority of virus is no longer infectious (especially on cardboard and aluminum cans), and after 72 hours research has found the virus is only found in trace amounts or undetectable on most surfaces. So consider leaving your non perishable groceries in their bags for 3 or more days, then put them away.

If it lessens your anxiety, you can wipe down every container; there’s no harm in that. But experts agree that it is safer to use soap and water, not a disinfectant. Fresh produce can be rinsed in plain water. (Don’t forget to eat your fruits and veggies!) Freezing does not kill the virus.

Other food borne illnesses have not gone away, so continue to handle and prepare foods safely.

The greatest risk is shopping in the grocery store, so you may choose to call one of our Leevers stores and give them your list and have them deliver your groceries.

For more information on COVID-19 go to www.health.nd.gov and click on coronavirus (more information) or call their hotline at 1-866-207-2880 or contact City County Health District about any concerns or needs that you may have (845-8518.)