People are being told they do not have to wash or disinfect food packaging brought into their home.
The all-Ireland consumer advice body Safefood says there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging.
However it says people should follow good hygiene practices when handling or preparing foods.
They are being advised to wash their hands and surfaces often, separate raw meat from other foods, cook to the right temperature and put food in the fridge as soon as they can.
Those who have COVID-19 symptoms are advised not to go shopping and to order groceries online, or have some family or friends drop them off instead.
Those who do go food shopping should wash their hands before they leave the house, avoid touching their face when out and follow social distancing.
When they come home, they should wash their hands straight away - and wash them again once they have unpacked and put away the shopping.
Safefood says: "It is not necessary to sanitise the outside of food packaging.
"While there is some evidence that the virus can survive on hard surfaces, the risk from handling food packing is very low and there is no evidence that the illness can be transmitted in this way.
"If you are sanitising surfaces or shopping bags, follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how much time is needed before wiping the sanitiser off.
"Gloves can give a false sense of security. They would need to be changed very frequently to be effective.
"It’s better to wash your hands often and avoid touching your face."
More information can be found here
