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Should I stop eating meat or fish during the 2019-nCoV outbreak?

Jackie Gao BeijingUnitedFamilyHospital 2021-01-19

Though transmission of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) through food is unlikely, as there is no evidence of this to date, questions still remain regarding what alterations to a person's diet may be needed in order to prevent infection. Many are concerned about the safety of consuming meats and seafood during this time and have thus, considered switching to a more plant-based or vegetarian diet. Are these lifestyle changes necessary? What are the appropriate measures to take when cleaning, preparing, and storing food? What should a balanced diet contain? These questions and more are answered by Beijing United Family Hospital's (BJU) Nutrition Consultant, Jackie Gao, in the article below. 


I’m worried about eating meat and fish in this situation, should I stop eating them? 

Protective measures have been put in place at national or individual levels to control the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Yet, avoiding eating meat or fish is not one of the preventative measures in the current situation, though these foods should be cooked thoroughly. Despite the reported link of the coronavirus outbreak with a wet market in Wuhan, it does not mean you can catch the 2019-nCoV from any animal, including the meat and fish you eat, or from domestic pets.


Much remains unknown about the novel coronavirus. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that even in areas experiencing the outbreak, meat products can be safely consumed if these items are cooked thoroughly and properly handled during food preparation. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not have any evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading the 2019-nCoV in the United States. Thus, avoiding contracting the virus does not necessitate avoiding eating meat or fish entirely. Nevertheless, you should avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products, handle them with care, and cook them thoroughly before consumption. Read more to find more information on handling and preparing different meats.


(World Health Organization)


Should I be following a vegetarian diet? 

There are many reasons that you might choose to follow a vegetarian diet, whether it’s cultural, personal, or religious. Following a vegetarian diet doesn’t necessarily decrease the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, but taking this chance to adopt a healthier diet with primarily plant-based foods and a limited amount of meat would be beneficial long term. 


Although not healthy if consumed in large amounts, lean meat and fish products are good sources of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, omega-3, and other essential nutrients. A healthy diet should be primarily plant-based and balanced, consisting of a variety of foods from whole grain cereals, fruit, vegetables, legumes, lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, dairy products, and a limited intake of saturated fat, added sugar, and salt. For those who often eat meat, limit eating meat to a total of 350-500 grams or about 12-18 ounces (oz) a week and avoid highly processed meat, such as bacon, sausages, sashimi, or preserved meat. This will not only help with weight control, but also help to decrease the risk of coronary artery diseases, diabetes, and some cancers. For those who would like to follow a plant-based diet, it is ok to still include eggs, dairy products, and fish in your diet similar to the Mediterranean diet. For people who follow a vegetarian diet, make sure there is sufficient protein from plant sources to avoid nutritional imbalance. 



What are the proper ways to prepare, cook, and store food? 

Follow good food safety practices at all times, including cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling food by following the tips below: 

  • Always wash hands with soap and running water for 20 seconds or more before and after handling food.

  • Avoid cross-contamination by wrapping meat and poultry securely or in a covered dish to maintain quality and to prevent meat juices from getting onto other food. 

  • Use different cutting boards and knives to prepare raw meat and other cooked or fresh foods.

  • After cutting raw meats, wash cutting boards, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water.

  • Thaw frozen meat or fish in the microwave or refrigerator. Once thawed, don’t refreeze and cook immediately. 

  • Cook eggs, meat, and poultry thoroughly; avoid eating them if undercooked. Cook all raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F (62.8 ºC) as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source.

  • Cook all raw ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal to an internal temperature of 160 °F (71.1 ºC), and all poultry to an internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9 °C) as measured with a food thermometer. 

  • Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours—1 hour if the temperature was above 90 °F (32.2 ºC).

  • Wash fruit and vegetables using running water. It’s ok to eat fresh fruit and vegetables after thoroughly washing them well.


(World Health Organization)


Can I still go to restaurants?

It’s a good idea to avoid crowds, because you don’t know who might be sick or if someone is asymptomatic but potentially a carrier of the virus. Another potential risk of eating in restaurants is food safety, hand hygiene of the food handlers, and sharing plates and cutleries. Thus, it’s recommended that you avoid going to restaurants and is better to cook at home. You may have heard that, during a press conference held by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Market Supervision on Wednesday, February 5, an official announced that restaurants and individuals are prohibited from organizing and hosting group dining activities, effective immediately. 


However, if you insist on dining in restaurants or picking up takeaway, make sure you maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing, and have a fever. Order familiar dishes to be safe, and avoid taking public transport. Also, consider ordering food deliveries online and cook or reheat at home. 


How do I get groceries and what should I be aware of when I go to supermarkets?  

Some groceries, stores, and Apps offer online ordering and delivery. Choose one that you are comfortable with or ask your friends or colleagues for recommendations. When you receive the delivery, make sure you wash hands and cook your items thoroughly. 


When you shop in markets, avoid going to places where fish, poultry, and other animals are slaughtered and butchered right on the premises. Strictly avoid any contact with other animals in the market (e.g., stray cats and dogs, rodents, birds, bats). Ensure regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products; avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands; and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products.



Should I eat vitamin C or take multi-supplements?

Although vitamin C plays an important role in immune function, there is no evidence to support that vitamin C is an effective measure for preventing the 2019-nCoV infection. The daily requirements are 25-50 milligrams (mg) for infants, 15-75mg for 1-18 year olds, 45-95mg for those aged 19 years and above, 55-85mg for pregnant women, and 80-120mg for lactating women. You can easily get 100mg of vitamin C from approximately one kiwifruit, 50g of dates, or approximately 100g of cauliflower, broccoli, or capsicum (peppers). Taking vitamin C supplements in large amounts over 1000mg a day may induce vitamin C toxicity and upset your gastrointestinal tract. Aiming for 2 servings of fruit (1 serving is about the size of a fist) and 5 servings of vegetables a day (1 serving is about 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables, or 1 cup uncooked vegetables) will not only provide you with an adequate amount of vitamin C, but also many other essential vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and anti-oxidants. 


It’s generally unnecessary to take multi-vitamin supplements if you follow a varied and balanced diet with a good appetite and are generally healthy. However, people who are at risk of nutritional risk or vitamin deficiencies, such as children, adolescents, pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, the elderly, people with malabsorption, those who are obese, or other underlying diseases that increase your requirements for certain nutrients, can consider taking a daily multi-vitamin or continue taking supplements as per your doctor’s advice. 



Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?

It’s a myth that eating garlic can help prevent infection with the novel coronavirus according to WHO. Although garlic is a healthy food with some antimicrobial properties, there is no evidence that eating garlic has shown much protection from the outbreak.


What else can I do to boost my immunity?

Eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water (1500-2000 milliliters (ml) a day), having regular meals, participating in moderate exercise (at least 150 minutes a week), and getting seven hours of sleep a day can help boost your physical and emotional health. Avoid skipping meals or over-eating, and be mindful of what you eat and how much you eat. Try filling 1/2 of your plate with fruit and vegetables, 1/4 plate with protein foods, and 1/4 plate with whole grains or cereals, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This rule applies to people of all ages, except infants. 


(Canada's Food Guide)


However, if you have an underlying disease, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, please follow your doctor’s advice or seek advice from a clinical dietitian before you change your diet dramatically. You may be working from home during the outbreak, find the time to relax by reading a book, meditating, listening to music, or cooking a meal, as good mental health is equally important as physical health. 


References: 

  • Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating 

  • Canada’s Food Guide. https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Disease Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

  • Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 2015-2020. Eighth Edition. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/

  • Meal Parties Forbidden During the Coronavirus Control Period. http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/feature_2/2019nCoVcombat/t1616585.htm

  • National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Vitamin C. https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/vitamin-c

  • National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

  • The World Health Organization (WHO). Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public: Myth busters. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

  • The World Health Organization (WHO). Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

  • USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services. Basics for Handling Food Safely.  https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/basics-for-handling-food-safely/ct_index

  • World Cancer Research Fund. Limit red and processed meat. https://www.wcrf.org/sites/default/files/Recommendations.pdf


Jackie Gao is a Chinese-born, Australian-trained dietitian and nutritionist. She is a part of Beijing United Family Hospital's (BJU) Center for Family Medicine and Integrative Health Care, bringing together a holisitic approach to the care and wellbeing of our patients. Our team of professional healthcare providers, like Jackie, is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to people of all ages. To make an appointment with her, please call our service center at 4008-919191.

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