There is no scientific evidence that Sars-CoV-2 is transmitted through raw or cooked food and the risk of contagion from contaminated packaging is "negligible".
This is what the National Food Safety Committee (CNAS), a technical-advisory body operating within the Ministry of Health, clarifies in a document.
In consideration of the importance of the topic and specific requests for clarification made by the Consultative Section of Consumer and Producer Associations, the document reads, "the Food Safety Section has deemed it appropriate to proceed with an analysis of current knowledge regarding relationship between viruses and food ". On the basis of the studies currently present at international level, "it can be concluded that there is no scientific evidence that allows us to affirm that the Sars-CoV-2 virus is transmitted via food, through raw or cooked food. Under normal conditions, not there is still evidence that contaminated packaging transmitsinfection and the risk of contagion of the Sars-CoV-2 virus through packaging and surfaces in contact with food appears negligible ".
At home, therefore, "it is not necessary to disinfect the packaging containing the food, but you have to wash your hands after handling the packages"
. Finally, "washing with only drinking water seems to be sufficient to sanitize fruit and vegetables".
