Can Food Spread Covid? Study Reveals Virus May Live For Days On These Foods

The Covid-19 scare is back. With reports suggesting the spread of new coronavirus variants, many of us are once again taking necessary precautions. Food remains controversial, among other potential risks of viral transmission. Can contaminated food spread Covid? There is no clear answer, but new research suggests the Covid virus can linger in some foods, possibly for up to a week. increase. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released a study revealing how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on food and food packaging. This study was shared on the agency’s website.

Entitled ‘SARS-CoV-2 Survival on Food and Food Packaging Materials’, the study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Southampton. Researchers measured virus inactivation rates on various types of food and food packaging surfaces.

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Which foods have the Covid virus alive?

1. Cheese and cold meats:

Covid virus was still detected in cheddar cheese and sliced ​​ham that had been stored in the refrigerator for a week. Researchers explain that these foods are high in water, protein and saturated fat and may protect against viruses.

2. Apple and Olive

Smooth-surfaced apples and olives significantly reduced viral contamination levels within an hour. clarified the study’s authors, CA Bryant, SA Wilks, and CW Keevil.

3. Baked goods

Infectious virus was detected on bread crusts and pastry surfaces such as croissants and pain au chocolat for several hours, but decreased after a day. It was noted that it may have an inhibitory effect. Eggs contain unsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, which have antiviral properties.

4. Uneven food

It was noted that foods with uneven surfaces such as broccoli, bell peppers and raspberries had high levels of the virus detected for several days, as the virus could be trapped in small crevices.

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5. Food packaging

Studies show that the virus can survive for days in plastic containers and cartons, but only for hours in aluminum packaging such as pet cans.

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The authors concluded, “Currently, there is no documented evidence that food and food packaging materials are significant sources and/or vehicles of SARS-CoV-2. The potential health impact is unknown.It is believed to be the main route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.”

“It should be noted that the food and packaging considered as part of this study were artificially inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 and therefore do not reflect the contamination levels found in these foods at retail outlets. Yes, but there is the possibility of transmission through contaminated objects, if the food is in direct contact with the mouth or mucous membranes,” the researchers added.