Covid won’t stop farm’s work, sales, says IHA

The Interior Health Authority says an Oliver fruit company at the centre of a small COVID-19 outbreak can continue to operate, pick, pack and sell cherries.

It was revealed yesterday that two workers at Krazy Cherry Fruit Co. had the virus and are self isolating.

Interior Health also indicated the fruit is safe to eat.

“Interior Health does not have concerns about a health risk to individuals consuming produce from Krazy Cherry Fruit Co.,” said a statement released Tuesday. “There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is foodborne disease and as such it cannot be caught by eating food products.

“Covid-19 does not live on surfaces for prolonged periods of time at this site, the cherries are in contact with a 20 ppm chlorine solution.

“Spread of COVID-19 through food packaging has not been documented.

“At Krazy cherry farm we are confident that all workers wore masks while working at the packing plant.

IH recommends the public wash any fresh produce prior to consumption and cherries can be rinsed with cold water alone.

It also recommends people wash their hands before and after eating.