Can the coronavirus be transmitted through fruit and vegetables? We have put together the most important tips that you should currently consider when buying and preparing fresh food.
That’s how long the coronavirus survives on fruit and vegetables
The corona virus causes uncertainty: Many people are afraid of contracting the virus via a smear infection when buying food. First the good news: According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, transmission of the coronavirus through fruit and vegetables is very unlikely.
Nevertheless, the virus can usually survive on surfaces for between three hours and three days, according to American researchers from the “New England Journal”. According to a study by the University of Greifswald, the virus can persist on surfaces for up to nine days.
However, the survival time depends on various factors, such as temperature, humidity and the material of the surface. According to the University of Greifswald, cold and high humidity should promote the lifespan of the virus.
The germs of the coronavirus have a very low environmental stability, so transmission through food, even imported from risk areas, is unlikely.
Coronavirus: Prepare fruits and vegetables safely
Even if the transmission of the coronavirus via fruit and vegetables is rather unlikely, sufficient hygiene and caution when dealing with pathogens can never hurt. We have therefore put together the most important tips for handling fruit and vegetables for you:
Wash your hands: The most important tip when dealing with fruit and vegetables is still washing your hands. You should urgently wash your hands after buying the food and before and after preparing it.
Wash fruit and vegetables: Of course, you must not forget to wash the fruit or vegetables thoroughly with hot water. More about this here: Washing fruit properly: What to do about pesticides on the skin?
Peel fruit and vegetables: Not every type of fruit and vegetable can be peeled. However, where it is feasible, it is definitely recommended.
Boil fruit and vegetables: Especially for high-risk patients, it is advisable to completely avoid raw food during the corona crisis and only eat fruit and vegetables that have been cooked. The high temperatures render the viruses harmless.
