Loose Food Sales May Pose Contamination Risk

Ankara University Food Safety Institute Deputy Director General Prof. Dr. U. Tansel Şireli stated that basic hygiene rules must be followed to prevent virus transmission. Şireli warned about unpackaged foods that are not subject to periodic inspection potentially serving as carriers. An active immune system is one of the basic prerequisites for the human body to fight disease, and safe food consumption is essential. People who stay away from food from uncertain sources and maintain personal hygiene at the highest level can protect themselves and their surroundings from viruses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has drawn attention to the importance of the matter by sharing hygiene practices to be observed during food preparation, while experts issue warnings related to food safety to protect against virus spread. Ankara University Food Safety Institute Deputy Director General Prof. Dr. U. Tansel Şireli warned that unreliable foods that come into contact with sick individuals can serve as carriers. Şireli stated, "The recommendations provided by the World Health Organization for food must absolutely be followed. Basic hygiene measures to prevent contamination should be applied for cheese, milk, yogurt, raw meat, vegetables and fruits, and other foods sold in the open. Street milk sold in the open and whose milking and storage conditions are unknown must be strictly avoided. For milk, preference should be given to pasteurized or UHT milk, particularly with heat treatment applied."