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Survival of SARS-CoV-2 on the surfaces of food and food packaging materials

Survival of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces: Appendices

All test results for SARS-CoV-2 survival on different food surfaces.

Last updated: 29 November 2022
Last updated: 29 November 2022

Download a PDF version of the Appendices report: 

9.1 SARS-CoV-2 survival on food surfaces

9.1.1 Baseline parameters all foods

Baseline parameters for all food tests were determined and are shown in Table 4, Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7.

Table 4 Effect of food sample extracts (without SARS-CoV-2 virus) made by beads/vortexing on Vero E6

Food sample Observable CPE %
Broccoli 0
Pepper 0
Apple 0
Raspberry 0
White bread crust 0

Brown bread crust

0
Pain au chocolat 0
Croissant 0
Sliced ham 0
Cheddar Cheese 0
Olive 0
Brine 0

All tests were performed in triplicate. CPE – cytopathic effect

Table 5 Effect of food sample extracts (without SARS-CoV-2 virus) made by pulsification on Vero E6

Food sample Any observable CPE %
Broccoli 0
Pepper 0
Apple 0
Raspberry 0
White bread crust 0

Brown bread crust

0
Pain au chocolat 0
Croissant 0
Sliced ham 0
Cheddar Cheese 0
Olive 0
Brine 0

All tests were performed in triplicate CPE - cytopathic effect.

* Brine - there was no direct effect on the viability of the Vero E6 cells, with no cell death nor plaques being observed. However, the observed monolayer was thinner and less confluent than that observed with Infection Medium alone.

Table 6 Effect of food sample extracts after beads/vortexing on SARS-CoV-2.

Food sample Mean titre recovered (PFU/sample) Mean % recovery
Infection Medium + SARS CoV-2 4750 95
Broccoli + SARS CoV-2 4750 95
Pepper + SARS CoV-2 4250 85
Apple + SARS CoV-2 69 1.4
Raspberry + SARS CoV-2 4500 90
White bread crust + SARS CoV-2 4500 90
Brown bread crust + SARS CoV-2 4750 95
Croissant + SARS CoV-2 4750 95
Pain au Chocolat + SARS CoV-2 4125 83.5
Ham + SARS CoV-2 4750 95
Cheddar Cheese + SARS CoV-2 4607 92
Olive + SARS CoV-2 225 4.5

All tests were performed in triplicate, with 5000 PFU added to each sample. 

Table 7 Effect of food sample extracts after pulsification on SARS-CoV-2.

Food sample Mean titre recovered (PFU/sample) Mean % recovery
Infection Medium + SARS CoV-2 900 90
Broccoli + SARS CoV-2 860 86
Pepper + SARS CoV-2 875 87.5
Apple + SARS CoV-2 500 50
Raspberry + SARS CoV-2 845 84.5
White bread crust + SARS CoV-2 850 85
Brown bread crust + SARS CoV-2 870 87
Croissant + SARS CoV-2 860 86
Pain au Chocolat + SARS CoV-2 890 89
Ham + SARS CoV-2 880 88
Cheddar Cheese + SARS CoV-2 880 88
Olive + SARS CoV-2 37.5 3.75

All tests performed in triplicate with 1000 PFU added to each sample.

9.1.2 Fresh vegetables

9.1.2.1 Broccoli

The results for broccoli incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 8, Table 9, Table 10, Table 11, Table 12 and Table 13. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures (s.f.)) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.3 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f. 

Table 8 Test B1: Broccoli, 23˚C, 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7167 +/- 1155 n/a
Day 1 67+/-64 2.0
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 104 +/- 79 1.85
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 9 Test B2 Brocooli, 23c 31% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7167 +/- 1155 n/a
Day 1 125 +/- 115 1.8
Day 2 50 +/- 50 2.2
Day 3 117 +/- 141 1.8
Day 4 53+/- 80 2.1
Day 5 83 +/- 101 1.9
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 10 Test B3 Broccoli, 6c, 75% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7167 +/- 1155 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 50 +/- 25 2.2
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 11 Test B4 Broccoli, 6 degrees 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7167 +/- 1155 n/a
Day 1 142 +/- 123 1.7
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.3
Day 7 <25 >2.3

Table 12 Test B5 Broccoli, 6 degrees 40% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7167 +/- 1155 n/a
Day 1 358 +/- 52 1.3
Day 2 133 +/- 80 1.7
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 42 +/- 17 >2.5

Table 13 Test B6 Broccoli 6 degrees 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7167 +/- 1155 n/a
Day 1 125 +/- 87 1.8
Day 2 33 +/- 8 2.3
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

9.1.2.2 Pepper

The results for pepper incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 14, Table 15, Table 16, Table 17, Table 18 and Table 19. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.6 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 14 Test P1: Pepper, 23˚C, 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 10167 +/- 2255 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.6
Day 2 <25 >2.6
Day 3 <25 >2.6
Day 4 <25 >2.6
Day 5 <25 >2.6
Day 6 <25 >2.6
Day 7 <25 >2.6

Table 15 Test P2 Pepper 23c 31% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 10167 +/- 2255 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.6
Day 2 42 +/- 38 >2.6
Day 3 <25 >2.6
Day 4 108 +/- 123 1.9
Day 5 <25 >2.6
Day 6 <25 >2.6
Day 7 <25 >2.6

Table 16 Test P3 Pepper 6c 75% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 10167 +/- 2255 n/a
Day 1 3582 +/- 2036 0.45
Day 2 1417 +/- 381 0.85
Day 3 133 +/- 133 1.9
Day 4 <25 >2.6
Day 5 <25 >2.6
Day 6 50 +/- 25 2.2
Day 7 <25 >2.6

Table 17 Test P4 Pepper 6c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 10167 +/- 2255 n/a
Day 1 667 +/- 289 1.2
Day 2 83 +/- 144 2.1
Day 3 67 +/- 57 2.2
Day 4 58 +/- 33 2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.6
Day 6 <25 >2.6
Day 7 <25 >2.6

Table 18 Test P5 Pepper 6c 40% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 10167 +/- 2255 n/a
Day 1 342 +/- 302 1.5
Day 2 833 +/- 1443 1.1
Day 3 341 +/- 224 1.5
Day 4 250 +/- 433 1.6
Day 5 192 +/- 128 1.7
Day 6 <25 >2.6
Day 7 58 +/- 14 2.2

Table 19 Test P6 Pepper 6c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 10167 +/- 2255 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.6
Day 2 <25 >2.6
Day 3 <25 >2.6
Day 4 <25 >2.6
Day 5 <25 >2.6
Day 6 <25 >2.6
Day 7 <25 >2.6

9.1.3 Fresh Fruit

9.1.3.1 Apple

The results for apple incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 20, Table 21, Table 22, Table 23, Table 24 and Table 25. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 1.6 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 20 Test A1: Apple, 23˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 917 +/- 314 n/a
Day 1 <25 >1.6
Day 2 <25 >1.6
Day 3 <25 >1.6
Day 4 <25 >1.6
Day 5 <25 >1.6
Day 6 <25 >1.6
Day 7 <25 >1.6

Table 21 Test A2 Apple 23c 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 917 +/- 314 n/a
Day 1 138 +/- 68 0.82
Day 2 <25 >1.6
Day 3 <25 >1.6
Day 4 <25 >1.6
Day 5 <25 >1.6
Day 6 <25 >1.6
Day 7 <25 >1.6

Table 22 A3 Broccoli 23c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 917 +/- 314 n/a
Day 1 <25 >1.6
Day 2 <25 >1.6
Day 3 <25 >1.6
Day 4 <25 >1.6
Day 5 <25 >1.6
Day 6 <25 >1.6
Day 7 <25 >1.6

Table 23 Test A4 Apple 6c  75% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 917 +/- 314 n/a
Day 1 221 +/- 105 0.62
Day 2 83 +/- 49 1.04
Day 3 <25 >1.6
Day 4 <25 >1.6
Day 5 <25 >1.6
Day 6 <25 >1.6
Day 7 <25 >1.6

Table 24 Test A5 Apple 6c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 917 +/- 314 n/a
Day 1 58 +/- 21 1.2
Day 2 79 +/- 37 1.1
Day 3 54 +/- 29 1.3
Day 4 <25 >1.6
Day 5 <25 >1.6
Day 6 <25 >1.6
Day 7 <25 >1.6

Table 25 Test A6 Apple 6c 40% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 917 +/- 314 n/a
Day 1 92 +/- 44 0.99
Day 2 408 +/- 175 0.35
Day 3 <25 >1.6
Day 4 <25 >1.6
Day 5 <25 >1.6
Day 6 <25 >1.6
Day 7 <25 >1.6

9.1.3.2 Raspberry

The results for raspberry incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 26, Table 27, Table 28, Table 29, Table 30 and Table 31. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.5 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 26 Test R1 Raspberry 23c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7833 +/- 1527 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 27 Test R2 Raspberry 6c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7833 +/- 1527 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 121 +/- 96 1.8
Day 3 33 +/- 8 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 28 Test R3 Raspberry 6c 75% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7833 +/- 1527 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 79 +/- 43 2.1
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 29 Test R4 Raspberry 6c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7833 +/- 1527 n/a
Day 1 <267 +/- 242 1.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 30 Test R5 Raspberry 6c 40% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7833 +/- 1527 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 158 +/- 68 1.7
Day 3 113 +/- 88 1.8
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 31 Test R6 Raspberry 6c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7833 +/- 1527 n/a
Day 1 46 +/- 21 2.2
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 33 +/- 8 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 63 +/- 38 2.1
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

9.1.4 Baked products and pastries

9.1.4.1 White bread crust

The results for white bread crust incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 32, Table 33, Table 34 and Table 35. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.2 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 32 Test Wb1 White bread 23c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3583+/- 804 n/a
Day 1 37.5 +/- 22 2.0
Day 2 <25 >2.2
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2

Table 33 Test Wb2 White bread 23c 57% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3583+/- 804 n/a
Day 1 208 +/- 29 1.2
Day 2 <25 >2.2
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2
Day 6 <25 >2.2
Day 7 <25 >2.2

Table 34 Test Wb3 White bread 23c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3583+/- 804 n/a
Day 1 271 +/- 280 1.1
Day 2 138 +/- 154 1.4
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2
Day 6 <25 >2.2
Day 7 <25 >2.2

Table 35 Test Wb4 White bread 23c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3583+/- 804 n/a
Day 1 275 +/- 303 1.1
Day 2 167 +/- 194 1.3
Day 3 117 +/- 101 1.5
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2

9.1.4.2 Brown bread crust

The results for brown bread crust incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in, Table 36 Table 37, Table 38 and Table 39. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.2 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f. 

Table 36 Test Bb1: Brown bread, 23˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3667 +/- 1627 n/a
Day 1 379 +/- 221 0.99
Day 2 <25 >2.2
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2

Table 37 test Bb2 Brown bread 23c 57% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3667 +/- 1627 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.2
Day 2 <25 >2.2
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2

Table 38 Test Bb3 Brown bread 23c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3667 +/- 1627 n/a
Day 1 42 +/- 29 1.9
Day 2 <25 >2.2
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2
Day 6 <25 >2.2
Day 7 <25 >2.2

Table 39 Test Bb4 Brown bread 23c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3667 +/- 1627 n/a
Day 1 129 +/- 106 1.5
Day 2 83 +/- 102 1.6
Day 3 12.5 +/- 121 1.5
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2

9.1.4.3 Croissant

The results for croissant incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 40, Table 41, Table 42, Table 43, Table 44, Table 45, Table 46 and Table 47. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.4 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 40 test Cr1 Croissant 23c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6500 +/- 661 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4

Table 41 Test Cr2 Croissant 2c 57% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6500 +/- 661 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4
Day 6 <25 >2.4
Day 7 <25 >2.4

Table 42 Test Cr3 Croissant 23c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6500 +/- 661 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4
Day 6 <25 >2.4
Day 7 <25 >2.4

Table 43 Test cr4 Croissant 23c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6500 +/- 661 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4

Table 44 Test Cr5 Croissant 23c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 6500 +/- 661 n/a
2 hours 492 +/- 321 1.1
4 hours 120 +/- 95 1.7
6 hours <25 >2.4
16 hours <25 >2.4
24 hours <25 >2.4

Table 45 Test Cr6 Croissant 23c 57% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 6500 +/- 661 n/a
2 hours 797 +/- 600 0.91
4 hours 378 +/- 600 1.2
6 hours 241 +/- 141 1.5
16 hours <25 >2.4
24 hours <25 >2.4

Table 46 Test Cr7 Croissant 23c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 6500 +/- 661 n/a
2 hours 2203 +/- 624 0.47
4 hours 400 +/- 174 1.2
6 hours 387 +/- 295 1.2
16 hours 255 +/- 25 1.4
24 hours <25 >2.4

Table 47 test Cr8 Croissant 23c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 6500 +/- 661 n/a
2 hours 453 +/- 251 1.2
4 hours 191 +/- 148 1.5
6 hours 182 +/- 166 1.6
16 hours <25 >2.4
24 hours <25 >2.4

9.1.4.4 Pain au chocolat

The results for pain au chocolat incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 48, Table 49, Table 50, Table 51, Table 52, Table 53, Table 54 and Table 55. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.2 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 48 Test Pc1: Pain au chocolat, 23˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3583 +/- 382 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.2
Day 2 <25 >2.2
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2

Table 49 Test Pc2 Pain au chocolat 23c 57% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3583 +/- 382 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.2
Day 2 <25 >2.2
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2
Day 6 <25 >2.2
Day 7 <25 >2.2

Table 50 Test Pc3 Pain au chocolat 23c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3583 +/- 382 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.2
Day 2 33 +/- 10 2.0
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2
Day 6 <25 >2.2
Day 7 <25 >2.2

Table 51 test Pc4 Pain au chocolat 23c 20% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 3583 +/- 382 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.2
Day 2 <25 >2.2
Day 3 <25 >2.2
Day 4 <25 >2.2
Day 5 <25 >2.2

Table 52 test Pc5 Pain au chocolat 23c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 3583 +/- 382 n/a
2 hours 953 +/- 713 0.58
4 hours 1061 +/- 441 0.53
6 hours 74 +/- 24 1.7
16 hours <25 >2.2
24 hours <25

>2.2

Table 53 Test Pc6 Pain au chocolat 23c 57% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 3583 +/- 382 n/a
2 hours 1450 +/- 1567 0.39
4 hours 705 +/- 253 0.71
6 hours 42 +/- 14 1.9
16 hours <25 >2.2
24 hours <25

>2.2

Table 54 Test Pc7 Pain au chocolat 23c 50% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 3583 +/- 382 n/a
2 hours 1427 +/- 23 0.40
4 hours 255 +/- 169 1.2
6 hours 93 +/- 23 1.6
16 hours 60 +/- 30 1.8
24 hours <25

>2.2

Table 55 Test Pc8 Pain au chocolat 23c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 3583 +/- 382 n/a
2 hours 499 +/- 439 0.86
4 hours 191 +/- 23 1.3
6 hours <25 >2.2
16 hours <25 >2.2
24 hours <25

>2.2

9.1.5 Delicatessen items

9.1.5.1 Sliced ham

The results for ham incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 56, Table 57, Table 58 and Table 59. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.4 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 56 Test H1: Ham, 6˚C, 74% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4000 +/- 1607 n/a
Day 1 1240 +/- 266 0.51
Day 2 667 +/- 131 0.78
Day 3 840 +/- 295 0.68
Day 4 467 +/- 48 0.93
Day 5 640 +/- 106 0.80
Day 6 267 +/- 74 1.2
Day 7 480 +/- 101 0.92

Table 57 Test H2: Ham, 6˚C, 60% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4000 +/- 1607 n/a
Day 1 1950 +/- 304 0.31
Day 2 1233 +/- 67 0.51
Day 3 1333 +/- 44 0.48
Day 4 950 +/- 153 0.62
Day 5 700 +/- 76 0.76
Day 6 267 +/- 93 1.2
Day 7 383 +/- 130 1.0

Table 58 Test H3: Ham, 6˚C, 50% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4000 +/- 1607 n/a
Day 1 1467 +/- 176 0.44
Day 2 1367 +/- 120 0.47
Day 3 1600 +/- 100 0.40
Day 4 3533 +/- 240 0.054
Day 5 2467 +/- 521 0.21
Day 6 667 +/- 291 0.78
Day 7 508 +/- 243 0.90

Table 59 Test H4: Ham, 6˚C, 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4000 +/- 1607 n/a
Day 1 3917 +/- 83 0.0091
Day 2 1700 +/- 436 0.37
Day 3 1567 +/- 410 0.41
Day 4 1500 +/- 300 0.43
Day 5 1033 +/- 88 0.59
Day 6 2033 +/- 174 0.29
Day 7 1383 +/- 268 0.46

9.1.5.2 Cheddar Cheese

The results for cheddar cheese incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 60, Table 61, Table 62 and Table 63. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.4 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 60 Test Ch1: Cheese, 6˚C, 74% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6083 +/- 1416 n/a
Day 1 1053+/- 114 0.76
Day 2 973 +/- 139 0.80
Day 3 840 +/- 260 0.86
Day 4 400 +/- 23 1.2
Day 5 453 +/- 48 1.1
Day 6 307 +/- 74 1.3
Day 7 533 +/- 87 1.1

Table 61 Test Ch2: Cheese 6c 60% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6083 +/- 1416 n/a
Day 1 1750 +/- 397 0.54
Day 2 1133 +/- 83 0.73
Day 3 1267 +/- 109 0.68
Day 4 892 +/- 74 0.83
Day 5 733 +/- 88 0.91
Day 6 666 +/- 145 0.96
Day 7 600 +/- 173 1.0

Table 62 Test Ch3 Cheese 6c 50% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6083 +/- 1416 n/a
Day 1 2000 +/- 200 0.48
Day 2 1767 +/- 260 0.54
Day 3 1800 +/- 346 0.53
Day 4 1800 +/- 493 0.53
Day 5 1767 +/- 491 0.53
Day 6 467 +/- 67 1.1
Day 7 967 +/- 426 0.8

Table 63 Test Ch4 Cheese 6c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6083 +/- 1416 n/a
Day 1 3533 +/- 145 0.24
Day 2 2033 +/- 186 0.48
Day 3 1433 +/- 318 0.63
Day 4 1733 +/- 291 0.55
Day 5 1567 +/- 273 0.59
Day 6 1017 +/- 93 0.78
Day 7 1933 +/- 203 0.5

9.1.5.3 Olive

The results for olive incubated for up to 96 hours with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 64. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.6 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 64 Test O1: Olive, 6˚C, 60% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 minutes 10250 n/a
1 minute 545 +/- 274 1.3
15 minutes 567 +/- 69 1.3
30 minutes 490 +/- 176 1.3
60 minutes 207 +/- 37 1.7
24 hours <25 >2.6
48 hours <25 >2.6
96 hours <25 >2.6

9.1.5.4 Brine

The results for brine incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 65, Table 66, Table 67 and Table 68. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 1.9 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 65 Test BR1: Brine, 6˚C, 74% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 2083 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 303 +/- 58 0.84
Day 2 71 +/- 22 1.47
Day 3 <25 >1.9
Day 4 <25 >1.9
Day 5 <25 >1.9
Day 6 <25 >1.9
Day 7 <25 >1.9

Table 66 Test Br2 Brine 6c 60% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 2083 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 430 +/- 58 0.69
Day 2 92 +/- 22 1.4
Day 3 98 +/- 38 1.3
Day 4 50 +/- 25  1.6
Day 5 <25 >1.9
Day 6 <25 >1.9
Day 7 <25 >1.9

Table 67 Test BE3 Brine 6c 50% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 2083 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 346 +/- 165 0.78
Day 2 <25 >1.9
Day 3 <25 >1.9
Day 4 <25 >1.9
Day 5 <25 >1.9
Day 6 <25 >1.9
Day 7 <25 >1.9

Test 68 Test BR4 Brine 6c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 2083 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 383 +/- 42 0.74
Day 2 102 +/- 36 1.3
Day 3 87 +/- 36 1.4
Day 4 <25 1.9

9.2 SARS CoV-2 survival on food packaging materials

9.2.1 Baseline parameters all food packaging materials

Baseline parameters for all food packaging tests were determined and are shown in Table 69, Table 70 and Table 71.

Table 69 Effect of packaging sample extracts without virus on Vero E6 cells.
 

Packaging sample Observable CPE %
PET1 bottle no virus 0
PET1 tray no virus 0
Aluminium can no virus 0
Composite drinks carton 0

Table 70 Effect of packaging sample extracts on SARS-CoV-2

Packaging Sample Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) Mean % recovery
Infection Medium + SARS-CoV-2  10250 100
PET1 bottle + SARS-CoV-2  9900 96.5
PET1 tray + SARS-CoV-2  10000 97.5
Aluminium can + SARS-CoV-2  9250 90
Composite drinks cartons + SARS-CoV-2 9333 91

Table 71 Recovery of artificially contaminated SARS-CoV-2 from food packaging in the presence or absence of 0.1% mucin

Packaging Sample Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) Mean % recovery
PET1 bottle + SARS-CoV-2  7050 +/- 1826 69
PET1 bottle + SARS-CoV-2 + mucin 6667 +/- 1121 65
PET1 tray + SARS-CoV-2  4583 +/- 682 45
Aluminium can + SARS-CoV-2  6167 +/- 1258 60
Aluminium can + SARS-CoV-2 + mucin 5542 +/- 494 54
Composite drinks cartons + SARS-CoV-2 7333 +- 882 71.5
Composite drinks cartons + SARS-CoV-2 + mucin 6000 +/- 764 58.5

All tests performed in triplicate with 10250 PFU added to each sample. 

9.2.2 Packaging materials 

9.2.2.1 PET1 Plastic bottles

The results for PET1 bottles incubated without mucin for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 72, Table 73, Table 74, Table 75, Table 76 and Table 77. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.5 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 72 Test PB1: PET1 bottle, 21˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7050 +/- 1826 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 73 Test PB2 PET1 bottle 21c 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7050 +/- 1826 n/a
Day 1 4250 +/- 350 0.23
Day 2 467 +/- 257 1.19
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 50 +/- 25 2.1

Table 74 Test PB3 PET1 bottle 21c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7050 +/- 1826 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 75 Test PB4 PET1 bottle 6c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7050 +/- 1826 n/a
Day 1 2508 +/- 2278 0.45
Day 2 117 +/- 159 1.8
Day 3 108+/- 88 1.8
Day 4 158 +/- 29 1.6
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25

>2.5

Table 76 Test PB5 PET1 bottle 6c 40% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7050 +/- 1826 n/a
Day 1 1478 +/-971 0.68
Day 2 80 +/- 95 1.96
Day 3 111 +/- 150 1.8
Day 4 181 +/- 175 1.6
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 82 +/- 35 1.9

Table 77 Test PB6 PET1 bottle 6c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7050 +/- 1826 n/a
Day 1 1271 +/- 58 0.76
Day 2 1183 +/- 1141 0.78
Day 3 50 +/- 0 2.1
Day 4 75 +/- 66 2.0
Day 5 95 +/- 73 1.9
Day 6 365 +/- 279 1.3
Day 7 <25 >2.5

9.2.2.2 PET1 Plastic bottles with added mucin

The results for PET1 bottles incubated with added mucin for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 78, Table 79, Table 80, Table 81, Table 82 and Table 83. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.4 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 78 Test PB1M: PET1 bottle, mucin, 21˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6667 +/- 1121 n/a
Day 1 327 +/- 99 1.3
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 79 Test PB2M : PET1 bottle mucin 21c 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6667 +/- 1121 n/a
Day 1 83 +/- 8 1.9
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4
Day 6 <25 >2.4
Day 7 <25 >2.4

Table 80 Test PB3M PET! bottle, mucin, 21c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6667 +/- 1121 n/a
Day 1 133 +/- 60 1.7
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 81 Test PB4M PET1 bottle mucin 6c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6667 +/- 1121 n/a
Day 1 1430 +/- 334 0.67
Day 2 87 +/- 62 1.9
Day 3 178 +/- 77 1.6
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 82 Test PB5M PET1 bottle mucin 6c 40% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6667 +/- 1121 n/a
Day 1 175 +/- 120 1.6
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4
Day 6 <25 >2.4
Day 7 <25 >2.4

Table 83 Test PB6M PET1 bottle mucin 6c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6667 +/- 1121 n/a
Day 1 1026 +/- 204 0.81
Day 2 725 +/- 98 0.96
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

9.2.2.3 PET1 Trays

The results for PET1 trays incubated for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 85, Table 86, Table 87, Table 88 and Table 89. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.3 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 84 Test PT1: PET1 tray, 21°C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4583 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.3
Day 2 <25 >2.3
Day 3 <25 >2.3
Day 4 <25 >2.3
Day 5 <25 >2.3
Day 6 <25 >2.3
Day 7 <25 >2.3

Table 85 Test PT2 PET1 tray 21c 53% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4583 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 2583 +/- 1010 0.25
Day 2 1375 +/- 125 0.52
Day 3 1417 +/- 722 0.51
Day 4 575 +/- 588 0.90
Day 5 <25 >2.3
Day 6 <25 >2.3
Day 7 <25 >2.3

Table 86 Test PT3 PET1 tray 21c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4583 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.3
Day 2 <25 >2.3
Day 3 <25 >2.3
Day 4 <25 >2.3
Day 5 <25 >2.3
Day 6 <25 >2.3
Day 7 <25 >2.3

Table 87 Test Pt4 PET1 tray 6c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4583 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 5250 +/- 1750 -0.06
Day 2 750 +/- 901 0.79
Day 3 242 +/- 38 1.3
Day 4 158 +/- 63 1.5
Day 5 <25 >2.3
Day 6 <25 >2.3
Day 7 <25 >2.3

Table 88 Test PT5 PET1 tray 6c 40% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4583 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 1667 +/- 629 0.44
Day 2 1300 +/- 87 0.55
Day 3 117 +/- 95 1.6
Day 4 808 +/-664 0.75
Day 5 342 +/- 485 1.1
Day 6 <25 >2.3
Day 7 <25 >2.3

Table 89 Test PT6 PET1 tray 6c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 4583 +/- 682 n/a
Day 1 2433 +/- 1436 0.28
Day 2 1142 +/- 500 0.6
Day 3 58 +/- 58 1.9
Day 4 142 +/- 101 1.5
Day 5

175 +/- 5

1.4
Day 6 450 +/- 132 1.0
Day 7 <25 >2.3

9.2.2.4 Aluminium cans

The results for aluminium cans incubated without mucin for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 90, Table 91, Table 92, Table 93, Table 94, Table 95 and Table 96. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.4 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 90 Test AL1: Aluminium can, 21˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6167 +/- 1258 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 91 Test AL2 Aluminium can 21c 53% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6167 +/- 1258 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4
Day 6 <25 >2.4
Day 7 <25 >2.4

Table 92 Test AL3 Aluminium can 21c 20% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6167 +/- 1258 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 93 Test AL4 Aluminium can 21c 80% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6167 +/- 1258 n/a
Day 1 21 +/- 116 1.5
Day 2 346 +/- 165 1.3
Day 3 181 +/- 79 1.6
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 94 Test AL5 Aluminium can 21c 53% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6167 +/- 1258 n/a
Day 1 77 +/- 52 1.9
Day 2 47 +/- 22 2.1
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4
Day 6 <25 >2.4
Day 7 <25 >2.4

Table 95 Test AL6 Aluminium can 21c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6167 +/- 1258 n/a
Day 1 272 +/- 157 1.4
Day 2 271 +/- 125 1.4
Day 3 <25 <2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 96 Test AL7 Aluminium can 21c 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 6167 +/- 1258 n/a
3 hours 3342 +/- 472 0.27
6 hours 883 +/- 252 0.84
24 hours <25 <2.4

9.2.2.5 Aluminium cans with added mucin

The results for aluminium cans incubated with added mucin for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 97, Table 98, Table 99, Table 100, Table 101, Table 102 and Table 103. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.3 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 97 Test AL1M: Aluminium can, mucin, 21˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 5542 +/- 494 n/a
Day 1 80 +/- 26 1.8
Day 2 <25 >2.3
Day 3 <25 <2.3
Day 4 <25 >2.3

Table 98 Test AL2M Aluminium can mucin 21c 53% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 5542 +/- 494 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.3
Day 2 <25 >2.3
Day 3 <25 <2.3
Day 4 <25 >2.3
Day 5 <25 >2.3
Day 6 <25 >2.3
Day 7 <25 >2.3

Table 99 Test AL3M Aluminium can mucin 21c 20% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 5542 +/- 494 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.3
Day 2 <25 >2.3
Day 3 <25 <2.3
Day 4 <25 >2.3

Table 100 Test AL4M Aluminium can mucin 6c 80% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 5542 +/- 494 n/a
Day 1 908 +/- 812 0.79
Day 2 843 +/- 249 0.82
Day 3 657 +/- 131 0.93
Day 4 <25 >2.3

Table 101 Test AL5M Aluminium can mucin 6c 53% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 5542 +/- 494 n/a
Day 1 129 +/- 55 1.6
Day 2 99 +/- 45 1.8
Day 3 <25 <2.3
Day 4 <25 >2.3
Day 5 <25 >2.3
Day 6 <25 >2.3
Day 7 <25 >2.3

Table 102 Test AL6M Aluminium can mucin 6c 20% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 5542 +/- 494 n/a
Day 1 833 +/- 137 0.82
Day 2 318 +/- 156 1.2
Day 3 <25 <2.3
Day 4 <25 >2.3

Table 103 Test AL7M Aluminium can mucin 21c 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
0 hours 5542 +/- 494 n/a
3 hours 3193 +/- 482 0.24
6 hours 542 +/- 96 1.0
24 hours <25 <2.3

9.2.2.6 Composite drinks cartons

The results for composite drinks cartons incubated without mucin for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 104, Table 105, Table 106, Table 107, Table 108, Table 109, and Table 110. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.5 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease was calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 104 Test CC1: Composite drinks carton, 21˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7333 +/- 882 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 <2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5

Table 105 Test CC2 Composite drinks carton 21c 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7333 +/- 882 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 <2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 106 Test CC3 Composite drinks carton 21c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7333 +/- 882 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 <2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5

Table 107 Test CC4 Composite drinks carton 6c 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7333 +/- 882 n/a
Day 1 175 +/- 78 1.6
Day 2 121 +/- 67 1.8
Day 3 133 +/- 58 1.7
Day 4 <25 >2.5

Table 108 Test CC5 Composite drinks carton 6c 53% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7333 +/- 882 n/a
Day 1 1413 +/- 365 0.72
Day 2 727 +/- 280 1.0
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5
Day 5 <25 >2.5
Day 6 <25 >2.5
Day 7 <25 >2.5

Table 109 Test CC6 Composite drinks carton 6c 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 7333 +/- 882 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.5
Day 2 <25 >2.5
Day 3 <25 >2.5
Day 4 <25 >2.5

9.2.2.7 Composite drinks cartons with mucin

The results for composite drinks cartons incubated with added mucin for up to 7 days with SARS-CoV-2 can be seen in Table 110, Table 111, Table 112, Table 113, Table 114 and Table 115. For all tests, the means; SEM of the mean and log10 reduction of PFU over time are shown. The mean log10 decrease (shown to 2 significant figures) compares the PFU recovered at each time point to the PFU recovered at day 0, not to the initial inoculum. All tests were performed in triplicate. The limit of detection for this assay is 25 PFU/sample. Therefore, 2.4 is the maximum log10-reduction detectable with this assay design, equivalent to 25 PFU or fewer infectious virus remaining. Log10 decrease calculated to 2 s.f.

Table 110 Test CC1M: Composite drinks carton, mucin, 21˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6000 +/- 764 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 111 Test CC2M: Composite drinks carton, mucin, 21˚C, 53% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6000 +/- 764 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4
Day 6 <25 >2.4
Day 7 <25 >2.4

Table 112 Test CC3M: Composite drinks carton, mucin, 21˚C, 20% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6000 +/- 764 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 113 Test CC4M: Composite drinks carton, mucin, 6˚C, 80% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6000 +/- 764 n/a
Day 1 175 +/- 67 1.5
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4

Table 114 Test CC5M: Composite drinks carton, mucin, 6˚C, 53% RH

 

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6000 +/- 764 n/a
Day 1 1777 +/- 220 0.53
Day 2 750 +/- 75 0.90
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4
Day 5 <25 >2.4
Day 6 <25 >2.4
Day 7 <25 >2.4

Table 115 Test CC6M: Composite drinks carton, mucin, 6˚C, 20% RH

Time Mean number of plaques (PFU/sample) +/-SEM Mean log10 decrease from day 0
Day 0 6000 +/- 764 n/a
Day 1 <25 >2.4
Day 2 <25 >2.4
Day 3 <25 >2.4
Day 4 <25 >2.4