It is only natural that you want to take every precaution to protect your loved ones from getting sick from the COVID-19 virus. With different sources debating how long the virus can survive on various materials and surfaces, many are left wondering what precautions should be taken before purchasing food from various food vendors in Pittsburgh, PA. The current research has shown that there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by contact with food or its packaging. The clearest risks have shown the most dangerous exposure comes from other people that are around you. Being vigilant about social distancing and using barrier devices like masks and gloves are still the most helpful ways to keep yourself safe. Likewise, washing your hands before and after touching or eating food is a much more effective way to mitigate the potential of spreading any viruses.
The Risks of Washing
Everyone has seen the early recommendation of washing all your purchased food items in the sink. However, washing vegetables, fruits, and packages all in the same sink may well create more risks than benefits. When you wash unpackaged items (like vegetables and fruits) in the same sink as packaged foods, you risk cross-contamination. Keep in mind that the virus does not last long on packaged items (which were likely handled with gloves), so you can skip washing those. On the other hand, the US Food and Drug Administration does recommend rinsing fruits and vegetables as usual. However, you should only use cold water, with no soap or disinfectants. Using any cleaning product on food can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, so it is best to avoid doing so entirely.
A New Normal?
From this point forward, when you return home after visiting a food vendor in Pittsburgh, PA, wash your hands, put away your purchased food items, then wash your hands again. Before you eat, wash your hands again. This method has proven to be much more beneficial in helping people avoid COVID-19 and many other viruses.
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise across America, food safety has become more important than ever. Still, despite regulations requiring extra sanitization and care when handling food, the virus has certainly raised people’s suspicions about the food they’re eating. Nobody understands this better than we do as local food vendors in Pittsburgh, PA.
For food vendors, this is a particularly trying time. We’ve not only had to rethink how we operate as businesses, but we’ve also had to restructure our days to include extra sanitization and food prep time. Of course, it’s something any food vendor is happy to do to continue to serve people. Likewise, instead of setting up shop in public spaces, we’ve had to operate as takeout vendors and fully expand online ordering options.
For employees that make or package food regularly, they must keep hands and arms clean and follow cleaning procedures as directed by government entities. Likewise, any food prep stations are cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis, just as a precaution to avoid any potential spread, though there is no data to indicate that COVID-19 is transmitted via food. Still, we are doing what we can to mitigate any spread on our part.
Because business for food vendors has been greatly disrupted, we all depend on individual orders and repeat customers more than ever. The long-term effects are yet to be realized, but for the time being, food vendors across America and right here in Pittsburgh are committed to providing you with quality food you can count on.
Choosing the right food vending options for your workplace can be tricky. In addition to factoring in nutritional needs, you’ll have to figure out what types of food your employees are most interested in. If you’ve already done that, then you’re now probably trying to figure out which Pittsburgh area commissary would best fit those needs and if it’s worth the investment.
The Value of a Commissary Kitchen
If you’ve been debating the value of a commissary kitchen in your workplace, know this: you’ll be providing your employees with quality food options that keep them productive throughout the day. Instead of running out for lunch at a quick drive-thru window, your employees will be choosing from chef-made, fresh dishes that provide a much more nutritious midday meal. Plus, they’ll stay on-site, keeping them safe and ready to work as soon as they sit back down at their desk.
Supporting the Community
In addition to supporting your employees, a commissary kitchen is a great way to support local chefs and food vendors. Oftentimes, great chefs get their start by working at commissary kitchens where they can try out new recipes and create a menu all their own. This means you get excellent up-and-coming chefs providing delicious meals that everyone will love, and they get the experience and feedback they need to improve their skillset.
If you’re still unsure of whether a Pittsburgh area commissary is right for your workplace, you are welcome to call us and talk about your options.