No Evidence that COVID-19 is Transmitted through Food Packaging, Says FDA

In an information sheet published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 16, the Agency informed consumers that “… there is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.” FDA added that consumers could wipe down grocery packaging materials but that would just act as an extra precaution. The information sheet is titled, “Shopping for Food During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Information for Consumers.”

FDA provided this information to stakeholders last month. At a March 18 briefing for foods stakeholders on COVID-19, Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner, FDA Office of Food Policy and Response, stated, “There is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of Covid-19.” Information on that briefing can be found on FDA’s website.