SARS-CoV-2 persistence on common food covering materials: plastic wrap, fruit wax, and cardboard takeout containers.

Abstract

Assess the persistence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus and virus genomic material on three common food coverings. The stability of infectious virus and genomic material on plastic wrap, fruit wax, and cardboard takeout containers was measured. SARS-CoV-2 in simulated saliva was applied to the surface of these materials and allowed to dry. Samples were stored at 4°C or 20°C and a relative humidity of 30%, 50%, 65%, or 70% for up to 7 days. Viability was measured by TCID50 and the half-life for infectious virus was determined to be ∼24 hours and ∼8 hours at 4°C and 20°C, respectively, on all surfaces and RH tested. There was no loss of virus genomic material as measured by qRT-PCR at all conditions evaluated. SARS-CoV-2 virus remains infectious on food coverings for hours to days. It is estimated that a 99.9% reduction in titer requires 10 days at 4°C and 3 days at 20°C for all RH tested. SARS-CoV-2 genomic material showed no loss when assayed by qRT-PCR.