How to Safeguard Your Takeout Food During Coronavirus Quarantine

In light of the current health crisis, many are concerned about the safety of their takeout food, particularly during the coronavirus quarantine. Here’s how to ensure your takeout food is handled safely and what you can do to protect yourself.

Current Protocols for Takeout Delivery in California

In California, the primary options for dining out are through drive-through or delivery. One restaurant, El Polo Local, is offering free delivery, which significantly reduces the number of people involved in the food preparation and handling process. This approach is a step in the right direction but doesn't eliminate all safety concerns.

Understanding the Risk and Trusting Restaurant Practices

People tend to worry about the spread of the coronavirus, often comparing it to a nuclear fallout. While that is a hyperbolic analogy, we must recognize that the virus is indeed spreading rapidly, especially as many essential workers, such as those in the food industry, continue to work despite the risks.

At any given time, we trust our local restaurants, regardless of whether it is a normal day or a crisis. We do not know who is sick or who is not, but it is essential to practice good sanitation measures. Take note of door handles, money, and countertops, and sanitize your hands immediately after leaving the restaurant and after handling takeout food at home.

Restaurant Handling Procedures and Safety Measures

Restaurants are required to follow specific food safety protocols, which are also effective measures to protect against the coronavirus. These protocols include cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, maintaining personal hygiene, and ensuring proper cooking temperatures. However, despite these regulations, some workers may not always follow them rigorously.

You could assume that the handlers are following the best practices they are trained to use, or you could assume they are not adhering to necessary safety measures. Based on personal experience working in the restaurant industry for over two decades, there are often violations of food safety protocol. Therefore, it's wise to be cautious and take additional steps to protect yourself.

Tips for Safe Takeout Food Handling

Here are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of your takeout food:

Choose Local, Familiar Restaurants: Opt for local restaurants you are familiar with to minimize risks. Handle Takeout with Care: Treat the takeout package as if it were a potential virus bomb. Transfer the food to your own containers immediately upon receipt. Sanitize Thoroughly: Wash your hands immediately after handling the package, and sanitize the containers before consuming the food. Dispose of Packaging Properly: Dispose of any packaging materials and gloves used during takeout delivery in a safe manner.

While there is currently no evidence of contracting the virus through food consumption, common sense dictates that you should practice extreme hygiene when handling takeout food. Your stomach acids are indeed effective at neutralizing most pathogens, but the risk of exposure is mitigated by following safe handling and sanitation protocols.

Conclusion

While we cannot guarantee the absolute safety of takeout food during the pandemic, we can take extra precautions to minimize risk. By understanding the challenges faced by restaurant workers and adopting safe handling practices, we can ensure our well-being and enjoy our takeout meals with a clear conscience.

Now, back to enjoying your favorite restaurant at home with peace of mind!

Stay safe and healthy!