How Long Should Groceries Sit Out Before Disinfecting to Inactivate Potential Coronavirus?

Importance of Proper Food Handling and Disinfection

As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, one crucial aspect remains constant: ensuring the safety of the food we consume. Importantly, we do not bring anything directly into the kitchen without first disinfesting it. Coronavirus can survive on various surfaces for different durations, posing a potential risk if not handled correctly.

Coronavirus on Different Surfaces

Nguyens: According to a YouTube video by a physician, the virus can survive on paper and cardboard for a few hours and up to three days on plastic and steel surfaces. On frozen surfaces, the virus can last for several months to a couple of years.

Standard High-Contact Surfaces

Despite these concerning times, we always take precautionary measures to ensure that any items brought from the outside are safe for indoor use. This includes counting surfaces such as countertops, doors, and faucets, which are heavily used and can easily transmit the virus.

Household Practices

Our household practices include spraying everything with Lysol and removing non-perishable items from their packaging outside the house. We leave these items in a designated no-traffic area for three days before storing them in the pantry to allow for potential disinfection through remaining time exposure to the air and possibly some cleaning.

For frozen items, given the longevity of the virus on these surfaces, we have largely stopped purchasing them to avoid the associated risk.

Cleaning Frozen and Refrigerated Goods

Before storing frozen or refrigerated goods, we thoroughly clean cans and bottles with soap and warm water. Fruits and vegetables are washed in warm water with white vinegar, then thoroughly dried and stored in the refrigerator. Potatoes and onions are also washed before being used.

Storing Dry Package Goods

Dry packaged goods are removed from their original containers and stored in glass or plastic, airtight containers. To prevent infestations and ensure freshness, a few bay leaves are placed in storage containers for items like cereals, grains, and flour. Again, these containers are cleaned with disinfectant wipes and only then stored in the pantry.

Daily Disinfection

All countertops, sinks, and faucets are disinfected regularly. To minimize waste, we place plastic and cardboard materials in the recycling bin, and prefer to use reusable or washable bags that go straight into the washing machine. Clothing that has been exposed to Lysol at the entrance is also washed.

Final Disinfection Steps

Our final step involves disinfecting the car, which is used for transporting groceries, mobile devices, and any bags that have been outside. This ensures that no potential pathogens make their way inside when we bring them in.

Additional Precautions for Fabric Items

Another important precaution involves spraying clothes with Lysol before entering the home. It is noteworthy that viruses on fabric can survive and potentially pose a risk. Proper disinfection of clothing can help mitigate this risk.

By following these rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols, we can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus through our groceries and other items brought into the household.