Only buy 1 week’s worth of groceries — and other pandemic shopping tips from the FDA

While many shoppers have developed their own rituals for grocery shopping during the coronavirus pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration has released its own set of guidelines for how to keep yourself — and others — safe in the aisles.

From wearing a mask to preparing your shopping list in advance, here are shopping tips straight from the FDA.

Only buy enough food for 1 or 2 weeks

Some items may be temporarily out of stock at your local grocery store, but the FDA is quick to remind customers that there are no nationwide food shortages and no need to hoard groceries, according to the release.

The FDA recommends preparing your shopping list in advance and only buying one or two weeks’ worth of groceries at a time. Buying more than you need could trigger unnecessary demand and lead to shortages, the administration said.

Wear a mask

Be sure to wear a face covering or mask when you head to the grocery store, according to the FDA. Some stores, cities or states may even require it, such as Connecticut, Hawaii and Maryland, CNN reported.

If you’re not sure, check your store, city or state guidelines before leaving the house.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do recommend that Americans wear face coverings when out in public, but it is not required nationally.

Bring your own disinfecting wipes

Always wipe down the handles of your shopping cart or basket with disinfectant wipes, the FDA says. Many stores offer them at the front near the entrance, but bring your own in case they’re out.

If you bring your own reusable shopping bags, ensure they’ve been disinfected or washed before each use, according to the release.

Practice social distancing

You’ve likely heard it time and time again, but the rule still applies: Stay at least 6 feet away from employees and other shoppers when you’re inside the store, the FDA said. This helps protect both you and them.

Wash your hands

Keep your hands away from your face while you’re shopping and wash them with soap and warm water as soon as you get home, according to the release. Wash them again after you’ve put away your groceries.

Wipe down groceries

The FDA says there is no evidence to suggest that the coronavirus can be transmitted to humans through food or food packaging, but if you want to take the extra precaution, the administration says you can wipe down product packaging then let it air dry.

Whether you’re shopping during a pandemic or not, you should always rinse fresh fruits and veggies under tap water — including those with skins that aren’t typically eaten — and use a produce brush on firm fruits and vegetables, the FDA said.

Be sure to clean lids on canned goods, as well.

Disinfect your counters

When all your groceries are put away, clean and sanitize your kitchen counters with disinfectant or make your own, according to the release.

The FDA recommends this recipe: 1/3 cup unscented liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. This solution should not be used on food.

This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 6:41 AM with the headline "Only buy 1 week’s worth of groceries — and other pandemic shopping tips from the FDA."