Food Handling Practices in the Era of COVID-19: A Mixed-Method Longitudinal Needs Assessment of Consumers in the United States

What is it about?

Although the SARS-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has not been declared a foodborne pathogen, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how consumers view food and food safety. This qualitative-quantitative mixed-method study assessed consumer food safety practices during the COVID-19 pandemic using surveys and online focus groups. From April to August 2020, five waves of surveys were distributed to an online U.S. consumer panel and screened to include only primary food preparers and grocery shoppers. The online focus groups were conducted via WebEx from May to July 2020. Both consumers reported higher levels of handwashing in response to the pandemic. However, they anticipated levels of handwashing after the pandemic decreased. The survey reported increased produce-washing, but some consumers reported using soap and even vinegar to “kill” the virus. This study’s findings provide timely information to guide future food safety education and communication during health crises and pandemics.

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