Safety tips to prepare and handle food by UNICEF

When we talk about eating healthy, words of Hippocrates stand true, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. And even in the present time, when COVID19 has handicapped us in every way possible, food seems to be one of the solutions to strengthen our immunity. In order to make it a healthy lifestyle during the lockdown, UNICEF has issued certain guidelines relating to food that majorly stresses on consuming hygienic food and mentions about the safety measures to be practiced while handling packaged or home delivery, where there are chances that you may get infected by coming in close proximity of the person concerned. Scroll below to know the preventive measures and share with others as well.

While there are no evidences of people catching COVID-19 virus from food or food packaging, it may be possible that people can become infected by touching a surface or object contaminated by the virus and then touching their face, as it happened in the case of pizza delivery boy in Delhi. According to experts, the risk is higher from being in close contact with other people at the food shop or outside the shop or even at your door step while receiving the order from a food delivery person. In all such cases, good hygiene is the only key to protection and avoiding any food-borne illnesses.

First of all, remove any unnecessary packaging and dispose into a waste bin with a lid. Next, remove food from take-out containers, place on a clean plate and dispose of the container. Packaging like cans can be wiped clean with a disinfectant before being opened or stored. It is important to wash unpackaged produce, such as fruit and vegetables, thoroughly under running water. Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub, immediately afterwards.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing any food.
2. Use separate chopping boards to prepare uncooked meat and fish.
3. Cook food to the recommended temperature.
4. Where possible, keep perishable items refrigerated or frozen, and pay attention to product expiry dates.
5. Aim to recycle or dispose of food waste and packaging in an appropriate and sanitary manner, avoiding build-up of refuse which could attract pests.
6. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating and make sure your children do the same.
7. Always use clean utensils and plates.