BDN speaks with Extension staff about grocery shopping during pandemic
The Bangor Daily News spoke with several University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff members about how to safely grocery shop during the COVID-19 pandemic. Robson Machado, assistant professor and food scientist, said that the science is evolving and all tips should be taken with a grain of salt as recommendations continue to change. “We just do not have enough scientific data for pinpoint answers. Keep in mind that this a subject that is being researched as we go, and answers could change over time,” he said. Machado, along with Jason Bolton, extension food safety specialist, and Kathleen Savoie, extension educator, recommend using sanitizing wipes to clean handles of shopping carts or baskets. They also recommend washing hands before entering the store and immediately after leaving, or using hand sanitizer if this is not possible; avoiding touching your face; and minimizing the number of items you touch while shopping. “Avoiding handling produce that you are not going to buy is an excellent way to prevent foodborne diseases and likely help with the spread of COVID-19,” Machado said. Other recommendations include staying at least six feet away from other shoppers, going grocery shopping alone and as infrequently as possible, and going during off-peak hours to minimize the number of people you might come into contact with. “Without any evidence to date on transmission from surfaces, there are no specific handling recommendations” for food in packages, Machado said. “[Frequently] washing your hands is the best practice.” And there currently are no additional recommendations for washing produce. Machado noted that soap, other detergents and bleach should not be used on produce.