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We’re All Apart, and All Together

You don’t need me to tell you that the pandemic is creating a weird situation.

Eric G

An unprecedented blend of economic and health disruptions, it has affected us all, and though it’s impossible to pin an end-date on it, there is no question that we will succeed to the extent we can all work together to battle the pandemic, on both the health and economic fronts. I am sending you all my best wishes for your health and safety and comfort as we all cope with it, simultaneously apart and together.

The packaging industry has had to adjust to the pandemic’s new demands, of course. For packaging makers and users, who have to contend with the challenges of continuing in operation as best they can during the era of stay-at-home orders, sometimes continuing on because they are considered “essential,” an additional challenge has arisen because consumers want to know whether the virus can be transmitted on packaging itself.

Government agencies are communicating the facts with a series of written statements. Included among them is this from an FDA Q&A document:

Q: Can I get the coronavirus from food, food packaging, or food containers and preparation area?

A: Currently there is no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. For that reason, it is critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill.

If you are concerned about contamination of food or food packaging, wash your hands after handling food packaging, after removing food from the packaging, before you prepare food for eating and before you eat. Consumers can follow CDC guidelines on frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; and frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.

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