Q: Should I sanitize my groceries once I bring them home or they are delivered to me?
A: The US Food & Drug Administration has stated that "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." For canned goods, make sure to rinse the lid before opening."
Q: How should I wash my fresh produce?
A: You should continue to practice proper food safety techniques, which means before consuming produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, rinse them under running tap water. For firmer produce, such as potatoes, scrub them well. You should NOT use soap on your fresh produce as this can cause an upset stomach if soap is ingested when you eat your food. Also worth noting, like always, when unpacking groceries, be sure to refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables within two hours of purchasing.
Q: Once I unpack my groceries how do I ensure my kitchen is clean?
A: After you have unpacked your groceries and washed your hands, you should sanitize your kitchen counters using any disinfectant product you have at home, or you can use a DIY solution with five tablespoons (1/3rd cup) of unscented liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of water or fourteaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Please remember do NOT use this solution or other disinfecting products on food. You should also wipe down any cabinet, pantry, refrigerator or freezer handles you may have touched while putting away your groceries.