Supermarkets have imposed tougher measures in recent weeks in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus between shoppers.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned last week that the virus can be spread by handling products in a supermarket or shop, if someone with the virus had previously touched it.
According to research Covid-19 can remain on surfaces such as plastic and cardboard for a number of hours.
The warning came after supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Morrison's and Sainsbury's banned those who refuse to wear a face mask in their stores, except for those who are exempt.
The government guidance on shopping in a supermarket advises people to 'try to only touch what you are going to buy' when handling loose items.
And while the guidance said there is a 'very low' chance of catching the virus through food or food packaging, it says 'it is especially important to wash hands before handling food or eating'.
We asked our readers - do you think supermarkets should have a 'you touch it you buy it policy'? Here's what you had to say.
Heidi Mullis said: "No. I have a family of six. The best before dates are always too short at the front so I have to get the ones at the back or I’d have to go the shops daily."
ECHO reader Natalie Clarke said: "No as sometimes you need to look at the back for ingredients of the product or want to check the condition of the meat before you buy it so you turn it over."
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Our readers were in firm agreement that a 'you touch it you buy it' policy would not be practical, especially for people with allergies who need to check the ingredients on the back of an item before purchasing it.
Lisa N Clarke said: "My daughter has several life threatening allergies and I need to check the ingredients of everything I buy so that would not work for us as lots of manufacturers change ingredients frequently."
Carol Gresty said: "No as people who have allergies have to check ingredients as the companies change these at any given time!!!"
ECHO reader Graham May similarly added: "No! I’m celiac and need to read ingredients to make sure they are safe to eat. But I sanitise my hands before hand so I should be okay!
Amy Cast New said: "No, I'm vegetarian and I always need to pick stuff up and see if they contain gelatin, I cant exactly buy it if I cant eat it can I?"
The government advice says: "The risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) cross-contamination to food and food packaging is very low. Food businesses must ensure that they have the correct food hygiene and food safety processes in place and that these are being followed to protect their customers.
"Staff handling food in shops are required to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and wear suitable, clean clothing. This includes regular hand washing to maintain good hygiene.
"Food businesses are required to have a system for managing food safety in place, but this does not necessarily require staff to wear gloves when serving or handling food.
"When you are buying loose foods such as fruit, vegetables, or bread in a bakery, try and only touch what you are going to buy."
