Don't Soap The Veggies And Other Coronavirus Food Myths Debunked
10 misconceptions about coronavirus-related food safety practices you should know about
With the world in quarantine, coronavirus has definitely changed the way we live, most especially the way we handle food. Everyone has a food safety tip or two to share on social media, but unfortunately some (if not most) of these are misconceptions that can do more harm than good. We checked ten of the most viral in the gallery below. And remember, until quarantine is over and we can meet up again, stay safe and strong, everyone!
10 Coronavirus Food-Related Myths Busted
10 Coronavirus Food-Related Myths Busted
Eating garlic helps prevent infection from the new coronavirus
While garlic is a healthy food with antimicrobial properties, the WHO finds no evidence that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus. The misconception originated from a social media post gone viral claiming that an “old Chinese doctor” said drinking freshly boiled garlic water could improve and even cure coronavirus-infected people overnight.
A glass of water every 15 minutes will flush the virus away
A meme shared on Facebook and Twitter quotes an anonymous Japanese doctor claiming that drinking water every 15 minutes could flush out any virus down the esophagus, so it couldn’t reach the lungs. If only it were that easy! Still, remember that it’s good to stay hydrated.
Stay away from ice cream and frozen foods
“A recent erroneous online message circulating in several languages around the world and purporting to be a Unicef communication appears to indicate, among other things, that avoiding ice cream and other cold foods can help prevent the onset of the disease. This is, of course, wholly untrue,” says Unicef deputy executive director Charlotte Petri Gornitzka.
Fresh fruit and veggies are hotspots for coronavirus transmission
The US FDA says: “Currently, there is no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. For that reason, it is critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill.
Beware: Chinese food can give you coronavirus
The only way you can get coronavirus from Chinese food is if an infected person sneezes on your food (or mishandles it) before you eat it. Which, by the way, is true for any other cuisine.
Stockpile food before it runs out
Panic buying is never a good idea. Quarantine is undoubtedly changing the way we buy and source food, but everyone from suppliers to consumers are adjust and new systems will fall into place in the food supply chains. Meanwhile, hoarding is harmful for the community. Be a good citizen and don't.
Keep Covid-19 at bay with some whisky!
We’ll let the WHO answer this one: "No, drinking alcohol does not protect you against Covid-19 and can be dangerous. In fact, frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of health problems." Got it.
Coconut oil might be effective against Covid-19
Although coconut oil is currently “being looked into” for potential to kill the new coronavirus, tests are still to be run.
Get your daily dose of Vitamin C
Business Insider reports that there is no evidence to support that vitamin C can help cure or ease a case of Covid-19 and that, in fact, taking vitamin C regularly provides only marginal benefits for even the common cold.
To soap or not to soap?
“iI’s not a good idea to wash fruit and vegetables with soap, even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Benjamin Chapman, professor and food safety specialist at North Carolina State University. Some soaps are actually dangerous to ingest! Instead, prepare and wash fresh produce as you normally would. Hold under cold running water, peel and cook as appropriate.
Lead photo: Freepik
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