Is sushi safe to eat with coronavirus?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Is sushi safe to eat with coronavirus?” precautions to be taken while consuming sushi and the health benefits of sushi.
Is sushi safe to eat with coronavirus?
Yes, sushi is safe to eat during the coronavirus pandemic. It is essential though to buy sushi from reputable restaurants.
Sushi can contain parasites or bacteria, so buy the ones that are most likely to be flash frozen. Heat can also destroy the bacteria but in the case of raw sushi, it would not be that beneficial.
There is also no apparent evidence that coronavirus spreads from food. It is important to avoid human contact and as an extra precaution, you can microwave the sushi.
If you are delivering sushi online, wait till the delivery person has dropped off your food outside or at the doorstep before picking them up. Throw the packaging away and wash your hands with soap and water after touching the packaging.
What needs to be kept in mind while buying sushi or eating out?
- Check for whether the restaurant has received positive reviews online.
- Check the score of the restaurant on the health department website, to ascertain whether it is safe to consume foods from that restaurant.
- The prepared sushi can be kept in the fridge at the temperature of 40℉. This can help slow down the multiplication of bacteria. You can select from the lowest part of the fridge as the lowest part of the fridge is generally cooler.
- Check the sell-by date of the sushi if you are preparing to buy sushi. If you are planning to consume sushi from a sushi station, ask them to give you a freshly prepared one.
- Select saltwater species of fish for sushi. Avoid buying freshwater ones as it is not safe to consume raw. You can ask for cooked fish in the sushi as well.
- Ordering sushi electronically would be much safer than ordering delivery or takeout ones.
- If you are planning to order sushi from a restaurant, stand apart or at least at a one meter distance apart from others. This would be much safer.
- Check whether the staff is wearing equipment like gloves to prepare the sushi.
Who should not consume sushi?
Pregnant women, aged adults, and children should avoid consuming sushi. Individuals who have a weakened immune system or consume medications that weaken the immune system also should not consume sushi.
Can the packaging of sushi be safe?
The packaging of the sushi is less likely to be of high risk. It is important to note though that the packaging might contain the virus droplets, so it would be better to sanitize them.
The virus would have to live in the packaging till it is being delivered to your house and the survival of the virus for that long is likely to be low. Wash the hands though after touching the food packages.
You can even empty the sushi from its original package to your homemade package.
What are the precautions that need to be taken if you are planning to consume sushi from outside?
If you are planning to consume sushi from outside, take the following precautions:
- Look for restaurants that clean their tables regularly and where the staff wear masks and follow the Covid-19 protocols.
- Wear a face mask and clean your hands with a sanitizer. Only remove your mask if you want to consume the food.
- Opt for contactless payment options, if available in the restaurant. If a contactless payment option is not available, then sanitize your hands after paying and receiving the money.
- Go to less-crowded restaurants or opt to go to the restaurant when the peak time of the restaurant is not high.
- Maintain at least a 1 meter distance from everyone.
What are the health benefits of consuming sushi?
- Sushi is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that helps in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is associated with the development of diseases like diabetes and arthritis.
- The omega-3 levels in sushi help in improving brain function.
- Fish is also a good source of protein and helps in building the muscles, cartilage, and bones.
- It also reduces the risk of developing stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
- Fish is a good source of antioxidants. Astaxanthin, an antioxidant present in pink or orange-colored fishes helps in reducing inflammation, aids in brain functioning and cardiovascular functioning.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Is sushi safe to eat with coronavirus?” precautions to be taken while consuming sushi and the health benefits of sushi.
