COVID-Friendly Shopping in Lafayette, California

As grocery shopping remains a must during this pandemic, many people have concerns about how to shop safely. Consumes need to be informed that there is currently no evidence that human or animal food or food packaging is associated with coronavirus transmission that triggers COVID-19. The particular coronavirus causes respiratory disease and spreads from person to person, unlike foodborne gastrointestinal or GI viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis A, which also make people sick through infected food.

Although your grocery store may be out of certain products on a temporary basis, there is no nationwide food shortage. Food processing and distribution is distributed throughout the United States. In this pandemic, customers are buying much of their food from grocery stores, and many supermarkets have changed their hours of service to give more time to restock and clean the shelves. In addition, several retailers have special hours for seniors or other high-risk individuals to shop and provide pick-up and delivery services. Check the store's website or call the store to learn more about it.

To help protect yourself, grocery store staff and other shoppers, it 's important to keep a few things in mind:

• Wear a face or mask when you're in the shop. Some stores and locations may need it. Check your country, county or city guidelines for any other requirements.
• Carry your own wipes, or use one offered by the store to clean away the handles of a shopping cart or basket. If you use reusable shopping bags, make sure they are cleaned or washed prior to use.
• Prepare your shopping list in advance. Buy only 1 to 2 weeks worth of food at a time. Buying more than you need can lead to excessive demand and temporary shortages.
• Practice social distancing when shopping – maintaining at least 6 feet between you, other shoppers, and your employees. Hold your hands out of your face.
• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before you go home and again after you put away your meal.
• Again, there is no evidence that food packaging is associated with the transmission of COVID-19. However, if you wish, you can wipe away the packaging of the product and allow it to air dry as an extra precaution.

It is important, as always, to follow these food safety practices to help prevent foodborne illness:

• Before eating, rinse fresh fruit and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Scrub firm manufactures a clean brush for processing. Remember to clean the lids for canned goods before opening.
• When unpacking food, refrigerate or freeze meat , poultry, eggs, seafood and other perishables, such as berries, lettuce, herbs and mushrooms, within 2 hours of purchase.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen counters on a regular basis using a commercially available disinfectant product or a DIY sanitizing solution of 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of chlorine chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. WARNING: Do not use this solution or other disinfectant products on food.
• Keep in mind the four basic food safety steps — Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.