www.fda.gov April 2020

COVID-19

Information for Consumers — Shopping for Food

As grocery shopping remains a necessity during this pandemic, many people have questions about how to shop 

safely. We want to reassure consumers that there is currently no evidence of human or animal food or food 

packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This particular coronavirus 

causes respiratory illness and is spread from person-to-person, unlike foodborne gastrointestinal or GI viruses, 

such as norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food.

Although your grocery store may be temporarily out of certain products, there are no nationwide shortages of food. 

Food production and manufacturing are spread throughout the United States. During this pandemic, consumers 

are getting most of their food from grocery stores, and many stores have modified their operating hours to allow 

for more time to restock shelves and clean. In addition, many stores are providing special hours for seniors or 

other high-risk individuals to shop and are offering pick-up and delivery services. Check the store’s website or call 

the store to learn more.

To help protect yourself, grocery store workers, and other shoppers, it is important to keep a few things in mind:

1.

Prepare a shopping list in 

advance. Buy just 1 to 2 weeksworth of groceries at a time. 

Buying more than you need can 

create unnecessary demand and 

temporary shortages.

2.

Wear a face covering or mask 

while you are in the store. Some 

stores and localities may require 

it. Check your state, county, or 

city guidelines for any other 

requirements.

3.

Carry your own wipes, or use one 

provided by the store to wipe down 

the handles of the shopping cart 

or basket. If you use reusable 

shopping bags, ensure they are 

cleaned or washed before each 

use. 

4.

Practice social distancing while 

shopping – keeping at least 6 feet 

between you, other shoppers, and 

store employees. Keep your hands 

away from your face. 

5.

Wash your hands with warm water 

and soap for at least 20 seconds 

when you return home and again 

after you put away your groceries. 

6.

Again, there is no evidence of food 

packaging being associated with 

the transmission of COVID-19. 

However, if you wish, you can wipe 

down product packaging and allow 

it to air dry, as an extra precaution.

7.

Before eating, rinse fresh fruits 

and vegetables under running 

tap water, including those with 

skins and rinds that are not 

eaten. Scrub firm produce with a 

clean produce brush. For canned 

goods, remember to clean lids 

before opening.

8. HO

2URS

When unpacking groceries, 

refrigerate or freeze meat, 

poultry, eggs, seafood, and 

other perishables—like 

berries, lettuce, herbs, and 

mushrooms—within 2 hours of 

purchasing.

9.

Regularly clean and sanitize 

kitchen counters using a 

commercially available 

disinfectant product or a 

DIY sanitizing solution with 

5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) 

unscented liquid chlorine 

bleach to 1 gallon of water or 4 

teaspoons of bleach per quart of 

water. WARNING: Do not use this 

solution or other disinfecting 

products on food. 

10.

CLEAN

SEPARATE

COOK

CHILL

1

2

3

4

Always keep in mind the basic 

4 food safety steps — Clean, 

Separate, Cook, and Chill.

As always, it is important to follow these food safety 

practices to help prevent foodborne illness:

Food is a source of comfort, as well as nourishment for you and your family – especially now – and we hope this 

advice will help you continue to buy groceries with care and confidence.