What kills norovirus in food?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be contracted through interaction with an infected person, by eating contaminated food, touching contaminated surfaces, or drinking contaminated water.

When it comes to food, there are several ways to kill norovirus and prevent it from spreading.

One of the most effective ways to kill norovirus in food is through heat. Noroviruses can survive temperatures as high as 140°F, but they can be killed by cooking food at higher temperatures. Therefore, thoroughly cooking your food, especially seafood and shellfish, can help kill norovirus. Quick steaming processes that are often used for cooking shellfish may not be enough to kill the virus, so baking or boiling your food at temperatures higher than 140°F is recommended if you are concerned about its origins.

Another way to kill norovirus in food is by washing all food items such as meats, fruits, and vegetables thoroughly before consumption or for use in cooking. This is important as norovirus has the tendency to survive even at temperatures well above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).

If you have been infected and are sick, do not handle any food or cook for others in your family. If you do, they are almost certain to get the infection too. Don’t cook for anyone else for 2 to 3 days after you feel better. If a family member is contaminated, do not let them cook for anyone else. Try to limit the amount of time healthy family members spend with the sick family member.

In conclusion, while there is no surefire way to completely eliminate the risk of norovirus in food, these methods can significantly reduce the risk and help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.