Is disinfecting your groceries necessary? The experts weigh in
This year’s COVID-19 outbreak has forced us all to think more carefully about our hygiene practices and cleanliness habits. While we all (hopefully) washed our hands before the pandemic anyway, we’re now carrying around hand sanitizer, routinely wiping down our surfaces, and disinfecting our groceries.
All of this is in effort to reduce the spread of the virus, based on advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But with so many people telling you different things, what exactly is the rule for ensuring your shopping is safe to store in your home? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know, according to the experts.
Only shop if you need to
Jaimie Meyer, MD, from Yale Medicine, offered some advice about shopping in general. He said: “Consider whether online ordering and delivery or curbside pickup might be an option.”
The reality is, visiting the grocery store is one of the easiest way to pick up the Coronavirus, so make sure you only shop when you really need to.
Shop at quieter times
If you want to avoid the crowds, shop when it’s not busy. Find out the off-hours for your local store and make a habit of visiting when there’s less footfall. Make sure you know exactly what you want before you arrive.
Don’t shop if you’re unwell
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t even leave your home if you feel sick right now. Get some bed rest and ask for a family member to shop for you, leaving your groceries outside your front door to prevent your illness from spreading.
Don’t panic
We get it – grocery shopping has become more like a game of dodge ball – you’re trying to keep your distance from everyone around you, and it’s hard. But the most important thing is not to panic. Keep a level head, make your trip as fast and efficient as possible, and you’ll be fine.
Wipe down your trolley
A simple way to feel more comfortable when shopping is to wipe down your trolley handle with a bleach wipe.
Take advantage of self-checkout
It’s better for yourself and your supermarket staff if you use self-checkout when you can. You won’t have to get too close to a stranger – and the checkout screens are disinfected regularly, so you don’t need to worry about other peoples’ germs.
Wash your hands when you return home
Even if you’ve used hand sanitizer in the store, washing your hands is always best practice. Aim for 20 seconds of washing with hot water and soap.
Wipe down non-perishables
Lauren Bryan, RN, infection preventionist at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, suggests wiping down inedible containers with a disinfecting wipe. But anything that can be thrown away, like cereal boxes, should be trashed immediately.
Wash your produce in hot water
The best way to clean your produce is to soak it in hot water. Dr. Meyer says that you should never use cleaning products on your produce, adding, “If you do, there’s a higher chance of getting sick from ingesting [chemicals] rather than from COVID-19.”
Disinfect your surfaces
There’s no point in going to all the fuss of disinfecting your groceries if your countertops aren’t clean. Disinfect any side space that you’ve laid shopping bags or unclean groceries onto.
Follow these tips for your next grocery shop and you’ll help to keep yourself and others around you as clean and safe as possible. The video below goes into more detail about the points mentioned in this article.
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