FDA, USDA, CDC say COVID-19 can’t spread via food, packaging

Editor's Note

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on February 18, issued a statement saying there is no epidemiological evidence out of more than 100 million cases globally that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging.

Because the number of virus particles picked up by touching a surface is very small, and the amount needed for infection via oral inhalation is very high, the chances of infection by touching the surface of food packaging or eating food is extremely low, the agencies say.