Fondue And Covid: Is It Safe To Dip?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we interact with each other, and dining out is no exception. Fondue restaurants, in particular, present a unique set of challenges due to the shared nature of the dining experience. As restrictions ease and people venture out to restaurants again, many are wondering if it is safe to indulge in this communal dining experience. This paragraph will explore the risks associated with fondue dining during the COVID-19 pandemic and offer insights into making this experience as safe as possible.

Fondue restaurants saw a 123% increase in consumer interest during the pandemic

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, some people are eager to return to restaurants. According to a Yelp economic impact report, consumer interest in restaurants with a focus on group dining has increased as restaurants started to reopen for in-person dining. Specifically, there has been a 123% increase in interest in fondue restaurants, a 98% increase for tapas bars, and a 49% increase for hot pot restaurants.

The pandemic has devastated the restaurant industry, with many closing permanently. Those that have survived have adapted by offering takeout services or selling groceries, for example. Now, as restaurants begin to reopen their dining rooms and patios, they must find ways to adapt to in-person service while ensuring the safety of their customers and staff.

While there is a risk of COVID-19 transmission from close contact with infected people, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises that there is currently no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through food or food packaging. Research has shown that the virus is inactivated in the acidic environment of the stomach, and it is unlikely to reach the gastrointestinal tract and cause illness. However, it is important to practise social distancing and maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.

When dining out, it is important to consider the level of risk. Carryout and delivery options are the safest choices, followed by outdoor dining if tables are spaced at least six feet apart and the restaurant has strict policies on mask-wearing and social distancing. Eating inside a restaurant carries the highest risk of COVID-19 transmission.

To host a fondue night at home, here is what you will need:

• Large platters or boards for various dippers
• A cordless fondue pot, or a pot with a cord for a buffet-style setup
• Fondue forks and regular appetizer forks
• Small appetizer plates or dinner plates if serving a side salad

Some popular fondue dippers include:

• Bread, such as sourdough
• Cured meats, such as prosciutto
• Fresh or cooked vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, asparagus, or broccoli
• Small boiled potatoes or french fries
• Meat, such as thinly sliced steak or sausage
• Cornichons or small pickles
• Grilled shrimp

The risk of COVID-19 transmission from food is low

The International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) supports the WHO's findings, concluding that there is no documented evidence of food being a significant source or vehicle for COVID-19 transmission. Research has shown that the virus is inactivated in the acidic environment of the stomach, making it unlikely to reach the gastrointestinal tract and cause infection.

While food itself poses a minimal transmission risk, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices when handling and consuming food. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and avoid touching your face to minimise the risk of transferring the virus from contaminated surfaces to your face.

Additionally, it is crucial to follow standard food safety guidelines. Raw food, especially meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, may contain harmful microbes, so keep them separate from cooked food to prevent cross-contamination. Cooking food thoroughly helps kill dangerous microbes, so ensure that meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are always properly cooked.

Furthermore, microbes can multiply rapidly if cooked food is left at room temperature for more than two hours. To inhibit microbial growth, keep food at very hot or very cold temperatures. By following these food safety practices, you can further reduce the already low risk of COVID-19 transmission through food.

The risk of transmission from food packaging is also low

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised that there is no evidence that people can contract COVID-19 from food packaging. There are no known cases of anyone contracting COVID-19 from food or food packaging. International experts have reviewed the scientific literature on food safety and its linkage to SARS-CoV-2, concluding that the overall risk of acquiring COVID-19 from contaminated food or food packaging is very low.

The main risk of transmission is from close contact with infected people. The best approach to reducing the risk of infection is to practice social distancing and maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and avoid touching your face. If you are concerned about contaminated surfaces, they can be sanitised with common household disinfectants such as alcohol-based sanitisers or bleach.

Food packaging has not presented any specific risk of transmission. The length of time the virus can survive on surfaces is not yet known, but studies suggest it may be a few hours or up to several weeks, depending on the type of surface, temperature, and humidity of the environment.

The WHO recommends that foods such as meat, poultry, and eggs should always be thoroughly cooked, and raw animal products should be handled with care to avoid cross-contamination.

The main risk of transmission is from close contact with infected people

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we interact with others, and activities like dining out now come with a certain level of risk. While sharing food and eating at restaurants may increase the risk of exposure to the virus, the main risk of transmission is from close contact with infected people.

When eating out, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. The risk of transmission increases when you are in close proximity to others, especially if they are infected. To reduce this risk, it is essential to maintain a safe distance from others, also known as social distancing. This means staying at least six feet apart from individuals who are not from your household. When dining with a group, it is recommended to choose a restaurant that offers spacious tables or outdoor seating to ensure adequate distancing.

In addition to social distancing, practising good personal hygiene is crucial. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before and after eating. Avoid touching your face, as the virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. When interacting with servers or other diners, wear a mask to protect yourself and others. These measures will help reduce the risk of transmission when dining out.

Furthermore, be mindful of the objects and surfaces you come into contact with. Any item that is frequently touched by multiple people, such as utensils, menus, or tables, can be a potential source of transmission. If possible, opt for single-use or digital menus, and sanitise your hands before and after touching shared items. Additionally, choose restaurants that adhere to strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols, ensuring that tables, chairs, and other high-touch surfaces are properly sanitised between customers.

While fondue and shared dishes may seem risky, the primary concern is not the food itself but the people you are sharing it with. By following social distancing guidelines and maintaining good hygiene practices, you can minimise the risk of transmission when dining out, even when enjoying fondue or shared dishes with your companions.

Practise social distancing and good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infection

Practising social distancing and good personal hygiene can reduce the risk of infection when dining out. Here are some ways to do this:

Social Distancing

When eating at a restaurant, opt for outdoor dining if possible, as it is safer than eating inside. Make sure tables are spaced at least six feet apart, and limit the number of people you dine with. If you are eating with people from different households, consider their level of risk and your own. Older adults and those with health conditions may not want to take the risk of dining out.

Personal Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after eating. Avoid touching your face, and wear a mask when you are not seated at your table. If you see your server approaching the table, put your mask on to protect them. If you are dining with people from different households, do not share food from the same plate or bowl.

Restaurant Safety Measures

Check that the restaurant has strict safety measures in place. This includes spacing tables at least six feet apart, waitstaff wearing masks at all times, and cleaning tables and chairs with disinfectant between customers. The restaurant should also limit the number of people allowed inside and avoid using shared areas and objects, such as salad bars and drink machines.

Food Safety

The risk of transmission from food is very low, as COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and there is currently no evidence that people can catch it from swallowing the virus in food or drink. However, it is still important to follow food safety basics when handling and consuming food. Wash fresh fruit and vegetables under running water before eating, and always cook food thoroughly to kill any dangerous microbes.

Frequently asked questions