Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an urgent and spreading threat, the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of which are still being documented. The disease is  spreading rapidly and the number of cases is rising in most of the countries including India. The disease can present as asymptomatic to mild flu like symptoms to severe respiratory symptoms and in some cases even with gastrointestinal symptoms. Respiratory diseases in severe form can be present as acute respiratory illness and pneumonia. Exact dynamics of spread is yet to be determined; however as evident it seems to spread as:

1. Directly by human to human transmission, through respiratory droplets when the person carrying the virus either sneezes, coughs; through close personal contacts (including touching and shaking hands); or through touching your nose, mouth or eyes with contaminated hands.
2. Indirectly through contaminated surfaces that contain virus.

 For further updates and information on ensuring food safety during the ongoing COVID-19  pandemic, please click on the following links:

• Guidelines for food businesses during Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
• Responsibility of Food Business Owner / Manager during COVID-19
• Best practices for food services during COVID-19
• Food safety Advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19

 

Reference: FSSAI Guidance note COVID-19 dated 15/04/2020