Skip to main content
Bianca Censori with pink hair wearing a sheer dress and cat mask.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk at an event amid divorce rumors.
Celebrity images from Shutterstock featuring various stars and events.

Food

This Is The Worst Mistake You Can Make When Unpacking Groceries, According To A Doctor

May 19, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
Featured image

With stay-at-home orders lifting and businesses reopening in many states, many of us will be venturing out to run routine errands like picking up groceries with more frequency again. But experts warn that are certain protocols that you should continue to follow diligently, even in light of the loosening guidelines. Specifically, when it comes to bringing your groceries home, what mistake should you continue to avoid? The answer:

READ MORE: This Is The Worst Mistake You Can Make When Doing Outdoor Activities Right Now, According To Health Experts

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Image from SHEfinds

"Don’t put grocery bags on the table because the packaging can be dirty and the last thing you want to do is spread germs on a countertop," Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, family and emergency doctor, tells us.

Image from SHEfinds

"It’s best to never put grocery bags and packages on countertops or surfaces. If you do, you must wash and clean the countertop," she warns.

 

Interesting! So, what else do doctors warn against when it comes to unloading groceries in your home?

Image from SHEfinds

"Not washing your hands after unpacking, because if the virus or bacterial particles are on the packaging, after touching the packaging, if you touch your eyes your face, your nose, or even a family member you can cause disease," Dr. Nesheiwat warns.

 

Dr. Omerine, chief medical director for Concierge Medical Services PLLC, warns of continuing to be mindful of how long the coronavirus can live on surfaces.

Image from SHEfinds

“Stop and think before bringing those grocery bags into your home; this is one of the worst mistakes that people make," Dr. Omerine warns.

 

READ MORE: This Is The Worst Mistake You Can Make When COVID Restrictions Are Relaxed, According To Health Experts

Image from SHEfinds

"A February 2020 article in the Journal of Hospital Infection showed that the coronavirus can last for several days (4-5 days average ) on glass, paper and even longer on plastic depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment," the MD asserts.

 

"Unless you are going to use your own grocery bags, leave the bags outside and decontaminate with a simple bleach/water solution before bringing them in." Good tips!

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy eating.
Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken in a bowl.
Checking the time on a watch while enjoying breakfast.
Grocery store display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens on a plate.
Inside view of a Costco store with various products displayed.
Woman taking magnesium supplements for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries and salad on a plate.
Frozen pizza displayed on a store shelf.
Fried fish served with crispy fries on a plate.
Hand spilling vitamin C pills from a bottle.
Purple sweet potato held by a woman near her stomach.
Moringa powder and leaves displayed for health benefits.
Close-up of a woman using fabric softener while doing laundry.
Fit woman enjoying avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and walnuts.
Cottage cheese topped with fresh berries in a bowl.
Selection of yogurt and processed meats on a table.
Stracciatella-dipped cookie sandwiches displayed on a plate.
Pan-fried salmon served with kale on a white plate.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy eating.
Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken in a bowl.
Checking the time on a watch while enjoying breakfast.
Grocery store display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens on a plate.
Inside view of a Costco store with various products displayed.
Woman taking magnesium supplements for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries and salad on a plate.
Frozen pizza displayed on a store shelf.
Fried fish served with crispy fries on a plate.
Hand spilling vitamin C pills from a bottle.
Purple sweet potato held by a woman near her stomach.
Moringa powder and leaves displayed for health benefits.
Close-up of a woman using fabric softener while doing laundry.
Fit woman enjoying avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and walnuts.
Cottage cheese topped with fresh berries in a bowl.
Selection of yogurt and processed meats on a table.
Stracciatella-dipped cookie sandwiches displayed on a plate.
Pan-fried salmon served with kale on a white plate.