Many of us are heeding the call to stay home and avoid large gatherings amid COVID-19. Schools, retail stores, and many service businesses across the nation are closed, leading more people to cook and eat from home.
Yet a growing number of consumers are relying on takeout from their favorite restaurants—not only to get a break from cooking but also to support local businesses. Many eateries are relying on business from takeout and delivery orders to stay afloat.
But you may be wondering if it is safe to order takeout.
Is It Safe to Order From Your Favorite Restaurants During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
There are still a multitude of unknowns about the novel coronavirus, including the long-term health implications for those who have contracted the disease and the most effective treatments. The uncertainty has instilled fear and has resulted in people leaving food outside for days, washing their vegetables with Lysol—and avoiding takeout meals.
There is one area where experts agree: There is little to no risk of contracting the virus by ordering takeout or delivery food from your favorite restaurants—as long as food-service personnel are adhering to standard food handling best practices. This includes wearing masks and maintaining social distancing protocols.
Don Schaffner, a professor at Rutgers University and an expert in microbial risk assessment, predictive food microbiology, hand-washing, and cross-contamination, shared this advice with NPR:
"I know people are worried, but from what we know currently about the virus, it's safe to eat food prepared at restaurants so long as you take the proper precautions—in particular hand-washing."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, "Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support the transmission of COVID-19 associated with food."
The FDA also maintains that there is no evidence of food or food packaging transmitting the COVID-19 virus.
How to Increase the Safety of Takeout Food During COVID-19
Despite assurances from experts, many people may still be concerned about the safety of food delivery. This is understandable due to the risk associated with contracting the virus, particularly for people with underlying medical conditions and compromised immune systems.
Here are three tips for keeping your family safe while enjoying your favorite takeout:
Opt for contactless delivery or pickup: Ask the delivery driver to leave the food at your door and collect the bag after they have left. If you are ordering pickup, choose restaurants where staff are masked and have them place the order in your passenger side seat or trunk in order to maintain social distancing recommendations.
Remove packaging and toss it: When you get home, remove the packaging and place the food on your own plates. Toss the packaging, then wash your hands.
Purchase hot dishes and reheat it, if you want to: While the risk of catching COVID-19 from takeout is extremely low, there is some evidence that shows higher temperatures inactivate the virus. Although the exact temperature has not been determined, reheating your food won't hurt you, and it may provide an extra layer of security when ordering takeout.
Keep in mind that the most significant risk in ordering takeout or delivery food is the direct interaction between yourself and the restaurant or delivery employees. To prevent the spread of the virus, choose contactless pickup or delivery (available through Menufy online ordering), and wash your hands before eating.
Final Thoughts on Takeout and Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you are tired of cooking or are craving your favorite takeout dish, there is good news. Experts at the FDA, CDC, and world-class academic institutions agree that takeout food is perfectly safe.
They do, however, recommend adhering to social distancing best practices by choosing contactless pickup or delivery and washing your hands before consuming your food. If you feel the need, you can remove the packaging and reheat your food. However, experts mention that washing your hands is enough to protect you.
So, feel free to support your local restaurants and order your favorite dish—just wash your hands before you eat.
Visit www.menufy.com or download our mobile app (Android or iOS) to find a restaurant near you.