WEDNESDAY, July 13, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Had COVID? You may wish to clear your freezer out.

A brand new research means that cousins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive on frozen meat and fish for as much as 30 days.

The analysis — prompted by COVID outbreaks in Asia by which packaged meat was suspected because the virus’ supply — was carried out on frozen rooster, beef, pork and salmon. The findings have been revealed June 11 in Applied and Environmental Microbiology , a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

“Although you won’t retailer meat within the fridge for 30 days, you may retailer it within the freezer for that lengthy,” mentioned first writer Emily Bailey, assistant professor of public well being at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C.

Her group carried out its analysis with out use of the particular coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Instead, researchers relied on surrogate viruses with comparable protein spikes.

These comparable viruses have been positioned on frozen meat and fish, which was then saved in each fridge temperatures (39.2 levels Fahrenheit) and freezer temperatures (-4 F.)

“We even discovered that the viruses could possibly be cultured after [being frozen for] that size of time,” Bailey mentioned in a journal information launch.

Researchers mentioned their findings are important as a result of SARS-CoV-2 can reproduce within the intestine, not simply within the respiratory tract the place most individuals really feel its results.

Three virus strains have been used as surrogates within the research, together with two animal coronaviruses. All three have been used as stand-ins in earlier research of SARS-CoV-2.

The researchers discovered that the viruses did not fare as properly in refrigerated temperatures as in freezer temperatures. The numbers additionally differed by meals merchandise.

They mentioned this research underlines the significance of rigorous sanitation within the harvest, transport, packaging and distribution of meals merchandise.

“Continued efforts are wanted to stop contamination of meals and meals processing surfaces, employee palms, and meals processing utensils similar to knives,” the authors wrote, including that the disinfection of meals previous to packaging additionally must be addressed.

More info

For extra about maintaining meals secure through the COVID pandemic, go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

SOURCE: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, information launch, July 11, 2022

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