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Follow safe food production practices: COVID-19 facts for farms, markets, and gardens

URBANA, Ill. - The current health issue has disrupted normal daily activities. There are many questions for growers and producers, as well as managers of farmers markets.  Trust this researched advice from reliable sources.

“Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.” (World Health Organization)[1]

“The virus is thought to be spread mainly from person to person … who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)[2]

“Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 by food.” (Food and Drug Administration)[3]

Follow these food handling and food production practices at roadside stands, U-pick farms, farmers markets and community gardens to maintain good agricultural safety practices:

Additional resources for COVID-19 can be found at:

Sources:

World Health Organization. 2020. Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19).

Centers for Disease Control. 2020. How COVID-19 Spreads.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2020. Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

World Health Organization. 2020. Q&A on coronavirus (COVID-19).

University of Illinois Extension Educators:

Laurie George
Zach Grant
James Theuri