Media release – PMA A-NZ, 14 April 2020
Experts confirm no need to disinfect fresh produce
Following misinformation reported on the 7:30 Report on Monday 13 April, the Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) are reaffirming to consumers that fruits and vegetables are safe to eat and should not be washed with soapy water or disinfectants.
PMA A-NZ, Australia’s largest industry association for fresh produce, have been on the front foot throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to stop the spread of factually incorrect statements designed to build fear amongst consumers.
“It’s disappointing to see factually incorrect statements continually pushed to consumers in what is already a very stressful time,” says Deon Mahoney, Head of Food Safety at PMA A-NZ.
“The advice at the moment is simple: in the home, wash your hands correctly before preparing food and also before eating.
Wash your fresh fruit and vegetables thoroughly, but don’t use soap or detergents – they are not formulated for food,” Mahoney said.
The advice is echoed by Dr Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer of PMA globally. “Wash produce only immediately before consumption. Do not spray it with household chemicals, do not wash produce with soap or laundry bleach,” Teplistki said.
Consumers can be reassured that food authorities globally are providing advice that food is not a vehicle for the transmission of this virus. There is no evidence that illness caused by respiratory viruses can be transmitted via contaminated food at this stage.
PMA A-NZ have recently released safety information for shoppers during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist in safe-shopping practices.
“Be deliberate in planning your trips to the supermarket to adhere to the Government advice around social distancing. However, it’s important to remember that the threat is not food or food packaging, but other people,” Mahoney said.
“Where possible, use hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes in store, but you don’t need to sanitise your groceries or their packages – there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19,” Mahoney said.
PMA Australia & New Zealand is Australia’s largest industry association for fresh produce. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, PMA A-NZ serves members in both countries by connecting members through industry events, networking, research and resources.
