Food is not a likely source of COVID-19 transmission

There is no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), experience from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses (e.g. SARS and MERS) has shown that transmission through food consumption did not occur, and there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is different. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) explains that the virus is transmitted from person to person mainly through droplets that people sneeze, cough or breathe out.

Scientists and authorities around the world continue to monitor the spread of the virus, and no cases of transmission through food have been reported. More information on coronavirus and food can be found in this FAQ from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).