Unlike E. coli, Norovirus or Salmonella, Covid is not Foodborne Driven – But is it Still Safe to Eat Food Prepared by Others During such a Pandemic?
In one of this author’s favorite jokes on Facebook, a wife asks her husband: “Dear, where should we go for dinner tonight?” The husband responds: “I don’t know, the dining room? Living room? Patio? You know I can’t make these kinds of decisions!”
Times have changed. In large part, the American culture is one that celebrates its access to a bounty of delicious ingredients and treats many meals as beloved social events. Until the current Covid pandemic settled in, like a large, dark rain cloud, most thought only occasionally, usually when a pertinent news story alerted the public to an implicated product, about food safety. Americans would occasionally consider the possibility of food poisoning – especially as most of us are familiar with norovirus, the virus that can give us anything from ‘mild’ symptoms such as stomach cramps and diarrhea or, especially for those with more vulnerable immune systems, extreme illness including death.
Routinely Americans pay attention to Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) advisories, most attest to practicing safe food handling, and many even avoided some foods more frequently associated with outbreaks.
What has changed then, in the midst of this Covid pandemic, is that Americans have had to accept new food challenges, beyond thinking about food poisoning, we now consider, is it safe to pick up and consume to-go food?
Jokes and memes (like the one above) are circulating, humor directed at pandemic related food issues – such as excess hoarding of food, people cramming staples into their cupboards, snacking and overeating out of boredom, frustration with the restaurant dinner out experience. Americans take their meals seriously, grappling over dining experiences – whether to cook tonight? Eat out with friends? Well, with Covid-19 becoming the new reality, dictating the new normal – these questions are basically answered. The only saving grace? Many restaurants are still opting to serve to-go food and thus raising questions not usually front-and-center. In general, when someone else is preparing food, consumers certainly hope they practice safe food storage, preparation and handling, avoiding E. coli, norovirus, salmonella and now even Covid 19.
Now more than ever, and due to the easy transmission of Covid, are we at a much headier risk of illness from the simple act of preparation and packaging of our food?
A survey taken last year in Minnesota sought to discover how often Americans eat out. The results showed that more than one-half of those surveyed, 56% in fact, declare that they dine out 2-3 times weekly. And, another 10% enjoy a meal cooked up by someone else 4-6 times per week. The biggest restaurant loyalists, roughly 6%, are served prepared eats every single day. The fact that many otherwise closed dining establishments are still providing packaged and prepared food then, is bound to make many Americans delighted. And, the good news? Although this strain of virus is a study in progress, experts are fairly united in the belief that this virus is not a traditionally food-borne pathogen, like E. coli, and therefore not likely to be transmitted via prepared foods. And, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the poor survivability of this virus on many surfaces, and with this being a person to person virus – transmitted primarily by respiratory droplets, there has so far been zero evidence of transmission from food or food packaging to people. The emphasis then remains, as with any virulent crisis – frequent washing of our hands, especially after handling anything publicly handled. In addition, and according to the CDC, we should be cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly.
That said, even in the midst of this pandemic (which is not foodborne), we must stay vigilant against pathogens like E. coli, norovirus or salmonella, each the cause of thousands of gastrointestinal diseases annually. In fact, and according to National E. coli Lawyer Ron Simon, “as one of the nation’s few food poisoning lawyers, it is astounding to note that 420,000 people in the world die every year from food poisoning, including about 3000 Americans. Another 75 thousand Americans must seek hospitalization each year due to food borne illness.”
As our culture has evolved over the past few hundred years, it will continue to change and adapt to the current climate, to things both outside and within our control. And, as the rules and expectations change, we will eventually find normalcy within them and even a new sense of satisfaction. It is important to engage with each other, learn from each other, and listen to the experts. Yes, times are changing but with education, patience and care, we will continue to enjoy the fruits of our bounty – and it is highly likely that food will remain the center of that culture.
https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2019/05/16/survey-shows-how-often-americans-dine-out
