Environmental Health News and Information
CORONAVIRUS AND FOOD SAFETY
Food Safety for Consumers
Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. It is more likely that a person will be exposed by person-to-person transmission involving close contact with someone who is ill or shedding the virus.
Consumers must follow Government health guidelines on how to protect yourself and others, especially the advice on frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces. It is important to exercise social distancing during visit to the supermarket or food outlets. For more information on food safety for consumers, click here.
Food Safety for Businesses
There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through food, however extra care should be taken with hygiene and health to reduce the risk.
- Always clean and sanitise food preparation benches.
- Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness should avoid preparing food for other people.
- Businesses need to review their operation and consider what other measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
- Businesses need to follow social distancing and other requirements from the Australian Government.
For more information on food safety for businesses, click here.