Should ServSafe Food Managers Worry About COVID-19 On Supply Packaging?

Even though we’ve been dealing with the coronavirus for over a year, we still hear questions and concerns over how the virus is spread and extra steps that can be taken to control it. In a recent discussion, we were asked if ServSafe food managers should be concerned about COVID-19 entering their business on the surface of supplies, food packaging or other materials that they use in their business. The StaySafe MN guidance for restaurants and bars has no specific information on this topic, so we decided to research the matter further.

Should ServSafe Food Managers Worry About COVID-19 On Supply Packaging?
Image credit: Food Service Direct

ServSafe Food Managers Ask, “Can Supply Packaging Spread Coronavirus?”

In the past, we’ve covered the near impossibility of coronavirus infection from food consumption. But, do ServSafe food managers need to be concerned with supply packaging? Does ingredient packaging, shrink-wrapped supplies and other containers that arrive on delivery trucks pose an infection risk to your staff?

While Minnesota COVID guidelines make no mention of this scenario, the CDC briefly addresses this on the consumer level.

According to CDC consumer guidelines, little evidence exists that coronavirus infections spread on food packaging from grocery stores or other outlets. If this evidence holds up for highly populated facilities, this statement would suggest that the same holds true for packaged goods delivered to foodservice businesses.

While COVID transmission risk on packaging may be low, cautious ServSafe food managers should be aware that sanitizing packaging that contains food products poses the risk of sickening customers through the ingestion of sanitizing chemicals. We’ve been asked if quickly sanitizing shipments or inventory would add an extra layer of protection, but we’d advise against it. The best defense would be to thoroughly wash your hands after receiving and storing deliveries. Consistent handwashing protects your guests from many different types of illness, both foodborne and otherwise.

Are you concerned that COVID-19 could enter your business on your supply shipments?

For over 20 years Safe Food Training has been known as the # 1 provider of food protection manager certification in Minnesota. We offer both instructor led and on-line food safety certification courses. Our instructor led courses are regularly scheduled at several central Minnesota locations. If you have special training requirements, we can even customize ServSafe training for your group. Which ever option is best for you, we would be happy to serve your needs.

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Safe Food Training Minnesota
1491 Hiawatha Ave
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