Grocery shoppers do not need to sanitize food packaging once they get home, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
“We want to reassure consumers that there is currently no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19,” the agency said in a post current as of Thursday.
Though wiping down groceries is unnecessary, the FDA urged shoppers to wash their hands upon returning home and after putting away groceries.
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“Again, there is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. However, if you wish, you can wipe down product packaging and allow it to air dry, as an extra precaution,” the FDA said.
The FDA also recommended wearing a face mask while grocery shopping, which many stores already require, and wiping down the handles of grocery carts or baskets before using them.
“If you use reusable shopping bags, ensure they are cleaned or washed before each use,” the FDA said.
