Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and food safety

Learn about food safety during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and how to keep you and your family safe.

On this page

Food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Scientists and food safety authorities around the world are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19. There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 or its new variants being spread through food or food packaging.

If we become aware of a potential food safety risk, we will take appropriate actions to protect the safety of Canada's food supply.

Safe food practices

You can lower your risk of infection and kill the virus that causes COVID-19 by following safe food handling and cooking practices.

Safe shopping: when you are out and when you get back

Use these tips to keep you safe while grocery shopping and bringing your groceries home.

Best-before dates

Watch out for the best-before dates that appear on foods. Best-before dates are about food quality and not food safety. You can buy and eat food after the best-before date has passed, but you may find that the food starts to lose its texture or flavour.

Foods that are likely to spoil should be stored properly . You should eat these foods as quickly as possible. Best-before dates generally apply to unopened products only. Once opened, the food’s shelf life may change.

For more information, including the difference between best-before and expiry dates, please visit

Safe home food delivery and online food shopping

Use these tips to keep you safe when having food delivered to your home.

Related links

Page details

Date modified: