So, far there is no clear evidence supported by WHO to prove that the novel strain of the SARS-Cov-2 virus lives on chicken, eggs, meat, or seafood and can make non-vegetarian food unsafe for consumption.
The SARS-CoV-2 viruses, in fact, need a host to grow and as far as food is concerned, currently, there is no evidence that food can be a route of transmission of the infection.
In a recent press conference, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Director Prof Randeep Guleria categorically stated that consumption of non-vegetarian foods or eggs does not cause infection. He further said that as a preventive measure meat should be thoroughly washed and cooked at the right temperature.
The Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) too had advised following certain precautionary measures:
- Before handling or eating food it is important to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, as a part of general food safety.
- Remember to handle and prepare food safely.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Store raw meat separately from other perishable foods in the refrigerator to avoid harmful microbes from raw foods spreading to cooked foods.
- Never consume raw or undercooked meat products.
- It is very important to wash the meat thoroughly and cook at high temperatures, as this helps to kill the harmful germs.
- Use different chopping boards for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Meat cooked at home and the right temperature is safe to be consumed.
- In case, if you are ordering food from outside, make sure it is prepared under proper hygienic conditions.
- Make sure to buy the eggs, poultry, fish from a trusted local vendor. Enquire where they have acquired it from.
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