The Australia-New Zealand Produce Marketing Association (PMA A-NZ) affirms to consumers that fruits and vegetables are safe to eat and should not be washed with soapy water or disinfectants.
The re-highlighting is after misinformation was sent at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, April 13.
"It is disappointing to see that factually incorrect statements are repeatedly passed on to consumers in a very stressful time," said Deon Mahoney, head of food safety at PMA A-NZ.
“The advice at the moment is easy to wash your hands properly at home before you prepare food and also before you eat. Wash your fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, but don't use soap or detergents – they're not formulated for food. "
Food authorities around the world have indicated that food is not a means of transmitting this virus.
Mahoney explains, “If possible, use hand sanitizing or disinfectant wipes in the store, but you don't have to disinfect your food or its packaging. There is no evidence that food or food packaging is associated with the transmission of the virus that causes COVID. 19. ”
