Can Covid-19 be Transmitted to Food or Food Packaging?

As Covid-19 has continued to spread throughout the country, we understand that the safety and quality of food plays a crucial part in the lives of consumers around the country. As a manufacturer of plant-based food, we strive to produce great-tasting and high quality products to our customers. In addition, the safety of our products and daily processes has always been paramount in all stages of our manufacturing, packaging and shipping.

In addition to our daily practices, we have implemented the following:

• We are working with our sanitation suppliers to ensure continuing supply of chemicals and supplies.

• We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting schedules for common areas, frequently touched surfaces and objects.

• We are leveraging our existing food safety plans which include a hazards analysis and risk-based preventive controls and include procedures for maintaining clean and sanitized facilities and food contact surfaces.

We are aware of the recent concerns regarding whether Covid-19 can be transmitted to food or food packaging and understand that consumers are focusing on all aspects of safety as they complete their shopping trips. According to the FDA, there is currently no evidence that people can contract Covid-19 from food or food packaging (Food and Drug Administration, 2020). In addition, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods

As always, it is critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill to ensure food
safety. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.fda.gov/