Washing Vegetables To Using Gloves: Virologist Busts COVID-19 Myths On Food Shopping

COVID-19 is showing no signs of stopping in India and across the world.

And amidst such a situation, stepping out to fill up on groceries can feel nothing short of entering a warzone. This pandemic has turned us all into germophobes.

Reuters

However, in case you were wondering what is the right way to go grocery shopping while the right way to deal with the vegetables/ produce that you¡¯ve bought, food virologist Erin DiCaprio, in a post for The Conversation has revealed some common guidelines for shoppers to follow.

He helps us clear some myths and misconceptions with respect to shopping outside.

Washing bought vegetables

One concern many people have is with cleaning the food for contaminants. Some even consider washing them in sanitiser liquid however, he strictly states that they shouldn¡¯t do it as it can be very dangerous. "Simply wash it under running water and you¡¯re good to go."

He also warns that using chemicals and soaps can do more harm than good. Moreover, submerging vegetables in a trapped sink could release deadly pathogens from leftover food in the sink¡¯s pipes and contaminate good produce.

Using gloves

While many feel wearing gloves will save you from catching the coronavirus and is some cases it is helpful too, but in case of shopping, it can actually help in spreading it instead.

bccl

He states, "what you touch on the grocery shelves is less of a concern than who breathes on you and other surfaces you might come in contact with in a store." In fact, there is currently no evidence of the virus being transmitted by food or food packaging.

Wearing a mask is imperative

DiCaprio reminds people how COVID-19 truly spreads -- through droplets in the air, thus wearing a mask is the most important thing that one can do to be safe and keep others safe from COVID-19.