Official guidance issued over the risk of catching coronavirus from food

The government has issued advice relating to the transmission of coronavirus from food.

The announcement comes amid concerns over the spread of the respiratory virus, officially known as Covid-19, which has so far been attributed to more than 14,000 deaths in the UK .

Officials know very little about the killer bug with the risks associated with handling potentially contaminated packaging or food products up in the air.

The Daily Post has compiled a condensed version of the latest information that was released to help you understand the situation.

The new guidance insists that "it is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food" because respiratory illnesses are "not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging."

This supports information issued earlier this month by the Food Standards Agency.

The announcement from the government today comes amid concerns that Covid-19 could be caught from food or its packaging (PA)

Can you catch coronavirus from food?

Anyone concerned about the potential contamination of coronavirus on their food has been assured in the new guidance that, even if it was present on food, "cooking thoroughly will kill the virus."

The advice also reminds the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water - as has been recommended by the NHS since the beginning of the outbreak - particularly before handling food or eating.

The government advises that "cooking thoroughly will kill the virus" (PA)

What should you do while shopping?

The guidance stresses that the risk of coronavirus cross-contamination on food and packaging is "very low."

It urges that food businesses must adhere to hygiene and safety procedures, and that staff in the industry are "required to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and wear suitable, clean clothing."

The guidance adds that retailers can take action to avoid crowding, such as limiting the number of customers within the store or implementing queue management systems - measures most supermarkets have already introduced.

Providing advice to the public themselves, the document explains: "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."

Customers are also reminded that they must maintain a 2 metre distance between themself and others, and "only buy what you need."

Customers are also reminded to "only buy what you need" (PA)

What about handling food and packaging at home?

Officials urge the public to follow general hygiene procedures when handling food - particularly in relation to raw fruit, leafy salads and vegetables.

This includes washing fresh produce to "help remove any contamination on the surface" and peeling outer layers of certain items.

The public are however warned not to wash raw chicken or other meat as this can lead to cross-contamination in the kitchen.

Additionally, the new guidance recommends using a food-safe disinfectant when cleaning surfaces - suggesting that using hot, soapy water is a suitable alternative if cleaning products are in limited supply locally.

The UK Government adds: " If you have been shopping, there should be no need to sanitise the outer packaging of food.

"This is because food businesses are required to have a system for managing food safety in place, which should include keeping packaging clean.

"You should still follow good hygiene practice by washing your hands after handling any outer packaging."

People are being advised to wash their hands (PA)

What about takeaway orders?

The government's advice released today asserts that takeaway orders are not prohibited or considered particularly unsafe.

It however notes: "Orders should not be made in person on the premises. You should order online or by telephone in advance.

"If you are collecting your food in person from a takeaway or restaurant which offers a pick-up service, you should adhere to the social distancing rules set out by the food business."

This may include having a staggered collection time or queueing with 2 metre separation from other customers.

The guidance adds that "it is safe to have takeaway food delivered," if the business providing the food follows the safety guidance.

If a customer considers a takeaway providers to not maintain good hygiene practices - or if the driver won't maintain a 2 metre distance when delivery the food - they should reconsider placing the order.