The Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) reaffirm to consumers that fruits and vegetables are safe to eat and should not be washed with soapy water or disinfectants.
The re-emphasising comes after misinformation was provided on the 7:30 Report on Monday 13 April.
“It’s disappointing to see factually incorrect statements continually pushed to consumers in what is already a very stressful time,” says Head of Food Safety at PMA A-NZ, Deon Mahoney.
“The advice at the moment is simply, in the home, wash your hands correctly before preparing food and also before eating. Wash your fresh fruit and vegetables thoroughly, but don’t use soap or detergents – they are not formulated for food.”
Food authorities globally are providing advice that food is not a vehicle for the transmission of this virus.
Mahoney states: “Where possible, use hand sanitiser or disinfectant wipes in store, but you don’t need to sanitise your groceries or their packages – there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.”
