Assessing Foodborne Infection Risks in Public Dining Situations

Foodborne infection risk

Hello, Doctor.
I returned to Taiwan in early March after studying abroad online.
Although I know Taiwan is relatively safe, I took my grandmother to pick up her medication and buy lunch.
We ordered two bowls of noodle soup, and while the owner was wearing a mask, there was a man standing nearby with his lunch who was complaining to himself and not wearing a mask.
Our noodles were placed in paper bowls on the table, and he kept talking while we were waiting.
I felt uncomfortable saying anything since we often buy from this owner.
I initially thought about getting something else after we picked up our food, but my grandmother said she wouldn't finish the noodles anyway (because I had her wait in the car while I picked up the food, she was unaware of what happened).
Later at home, I ended up eating the bowl that was closer to that strange man.
I'm wondering if there is a risk of transmission in this situation...
to be honest, I'm a bit worried.

On a side note, it was even more outrageous that the owner asked the man to stop talking since he wasn't wearing a mask, but he deliberately coughed near the cooking area and continued to curse (it was in Taiwanese, and I couldn't quite catch it, but it sounded very vulgar).
It’s ridiculous that you need a mask just to buy noodles, and they cost only five dollars each, as if they were free...
Later, the owner said he would call the police, and I quickly paid for our noodles and left.

I just wanted to share this frightening experience and ask if my grandmother and I might have been exposed to any danger.
I apologize for bothering you during your busy time, thank you!

yukii, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/28

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, currently the majority of COVID-19 infections occur through prolonged close contact.
Additionally, since there are no community transmission cases in Taiwan at the moment, you should not be at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2020/05/28

More Info

In assessing foodborne infection risks in public dining situations, it is essential to consider various factors, including the nature of the pathogens involved, the mode of transmission, and the specific circumstances surrounding the dining experience. Based on your description, there are several points to address regarding your concerns about potential exposure to infections while dining in a public setting.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that the primary mode of transmission for respiratory viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), is through respiratory droplets. These droplets are expelled when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. In your situation, the man who was not wearing a mask and was speaking near your food could potentially pose a risk, especially if he was infected. However, the risk of transmission through food is considered low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging. Therefore, while it is understandable to feel concerned, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 from the scenario you described is relatively low, especially since you mentioned that Taiwan has been managing community transmission effectively.

Secondly, regarding the potential for other foodborne illnesses, it is crucial to consider the hygiene practices of the food establishment. If the restaurant follows proper food safety protocols, such as regular cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces, proper food handling, and ensuring that employees wear masks, the risk of foodborne infections decreases significantly. The fact that the restaurant owner was concerned about the unmasked individual and took action to address the situation indicates a level of awareness and responsibility towards maintaining a safe dining environment.

Moreover, foodborne pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, typically require specific conditions to survive and multiply. For instance, pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli are primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water. In your case, if the food was prepared and served in a clean environment, the risk of foodborne illness is minimized. It is also worth noting that the act of cooking food, such as boiling noodles, can kill many pathogens, further reducing the risk of infection.

In addition to the concerns about respiratory viruses and foodborne pathogens, it is essential to consider personal hygiene practices. Washing hands before eating and ensuring that utensils and dishes are clean can significantly reduce the risk of infection. If you had any open wounds or cuts in your mouth, it is advisable to be cautious, as this could increase susceptibility to infections. However, the risk of transmission through casual contact with food items, especially if they are cooked, is generally low.

In conclusion, while it is natural to feel anxious about potential exposure to infections in public dining situations, the specific circumstances you described suggest that the risk of contracting an illness is low. Maintaining good hygiene practices, being aware of the cleanliness of food establishments, and following public health guidelines can further enhance safety while dining out. If you or your grandmother develop any symptoms or have specific health concerns, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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