Is norovirus killed by cooking?

Norovirus, often referred to as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s known for being tough to kill and can survive on food, kitchen surfaces, and utensils.

When it comes to cooking and food preparation, it’s important to understand that norovirus is relatively resistant to heat. It can survive temperatures as high as 145°F. This means that quick steaming processes that are often used for cooking certain foods, like shellfish, may not heat the food enough to kill the virus.

Thorough cooking is crucial when it comes to killing norovirus in food. However, it’s also important to note that most norovirus infections occur as a result of contamination on food that’s already been cooked or prepared. This is why good hygiene practices during food preparation are so important.

For example, food service workers who are infected with norovirus can contaminate food and make many people sick. This is why it’s recommended that food service workers practice proper hand washing and avoid touching ready-to-eat foods with their bare hands before serving them.

In conclusion, while thorough cooking can kill norovirus in food, it’s not a guaranteed method due to the virus’s resistance to heat. The best way to prevent norovirus infection is through good hygiene practices during food preparation and handling, including proper hand washing and avoiding cross-contamination.