While the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed many joys, it won't stop us from savoring one of winter's greatest pleasures: cheese fondue. Switzerland Cheese Marketing (SCM), the organization dedicated to promoting Swiss cheeses, has addressed this beloved communal ritual with reassuring findings. "Nothing prevents enjoying a cheese fondue in its traditional setting. Whether sharing a meal or cheese fondue at the table with family or friends, the COVID-19 contamination risk remains equally low in both scenarios," they state.
Research indicates the risk may even be lower when eating fondue with skewers or long forks, as this promotes distancing and eliminates hand-to-mouth contact. After consulting experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Swiss Federal Health Offices, SCM confirms: "To date, there is no evidence that food serves as a source of infection, and no cases of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via food have been documented."
Additionally, "there is no conclusive evidence of virus transmission through contact with contaminated objects, such as a fondue fork."
That said, SCM advises adhering to standard hygiene and safety protocols to ensure everyone can enjoy this tradition safely.
