Wash, Cook It Well: How to Keep Food Safe from COVID-19

Food is generally safe from COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization. Still, the Philippines on Friday reminded to make sure that what they eat are cleaned and cooked properly.

The WHO issued the statement after traces of SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, were found in frozen seafood in Shenzhen, China, triggering a health scare. The raw reafood was reportedly imported from Brazil.

"For the safety of consumers, it is advised that proper food handling practices be observed at all times," the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said in a statement.

How to keep food clean?

Fresh food should be washed under clean, running water prior to storage. Goods from the market have to be disinfected using alcohol or 0.5 percent bleach solution. "Food must also be cooked thoroughly and kept at safe temperatures before consumption," the BFAR said.

The Department of Agriculture guaranteed that imported frozen chicken undergoes proper quarantine inspection, following a separate report of chicken from Brazil testing positive for COVID-19, according to a Manila Bulletin report.

"If the virus is actually in food — and we have no examples of where this virus has been transmitted as a food-borne, whereas someone has consumed a food product — the viruses can be killed, like other viruses as well, if the meat is cooked," WHO COVID-19 technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove said.