Coronavirus Q&As for Consumers

The FDA is working to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and keep you and your family informed on the latest developments. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions from consumers about home tests and food safety:

 

Q: Are there any tests that I can purchase to test myself at home for COVID-19?

A: At this time, the FDA has not authorized any COVID-19 test to be completely used and processed at home. However, on April 20, 2020, the FDA authorized the first COVID-19 test for home collection of samples to be sent to a laboratory for processing and test reporting. Please note that this authorization is specific only to the test that has been issued the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), which has a home collection option (LabCorp’s COVID-19 RT-PCR Test). Any COVID-19 test intended for at-home testing, including self-collection of a sample at home, with or without the use of telemedicine, must be authorized by the FDA. The FDA sees the public health value in expanding the availability of COVID-19 testing through safe and accurate tests that may include home collection, and we are actively working with test developers in this space. You can find listings of tests that have been issued an EUA on the Emergency Use Authorizations page.

The FDA is supportive of at-home testing for COVID-19 if there is data and science to support consumer safety and test accuracy. We are actively working with developers on EUAs for at-home tests that demonstrate appropriate validation. Home collection raises several issues of importance, including whether the lay user can safely and properly collect the sample, whether the components of the test kit are safe for use in the home environment (since some components may be toxic), proper shipment, and stability of the sample (such as, if the sample sits in a hot truck). A physician watching the collection via telemedicine may address the issue of sample collection (if the self-collection method does not raise safety concerns), but telemedicine does not address these other issues.

Q: What are the most important things I need to know to keep myself and others safe when I go to the grocery store during the pandemic?

A: There are steps you can take to help protect yourself, grocery store workers, and other shoppers, such as wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and using wipes on the handles of the shopping cart or basket. Read more tips in Shopping for Food During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Information for Consumers.

Q: Can I get the coronavirus from food, food packaging, or food containers and preparation area?

A: Currently there is no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. It is always critical to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill. 

If you are concerned about contamination of food or food packaging, wash your hands after handling food packaging, after removing food from the packaging, before you prepare food for eating, and before you eat. Consumers can follow CDC guidelines on frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces. (Also see the Q&A for Consumers: Hand Sanitizers and COVID-19 for more information.)

To learn more about these and other coronavirus topics, visit: Frequently Asked Questions