Which prevention method is recommended for Norovirus?

Cooking foods thoroughly is a vital prevention method for Norovirus because this virus can survive in a variety of food items, particularly raw or undercooked foods. While some food safety practices such as cleaning fish, refrigerating it promptly, and avoiding suspected contaminated fish are important for general food safety and can mitigate risks, thorough cooking is the most effective way to eliminate the Norovirus if it is present.

Norovirus is known for its resilience and can remain infectious in food that hasn't been heated sufficiently. By ensuring that foods are cooked to appropriate temperatures, it dramatically reduces the chance of illness. This is especially pertinent for foods that are commonly associated with Norovirus outbreaks, such as shellfish and certain ready-to-eat items that can become contaminated either through improper handling or contact with contaminated water or surfaces.

Therefore, the emphasis on thorough cooking directly addresses the specific threat posed by Norovirus and stands out among other food safety measures that, while important, do not specifically target the elimination of this particular virus in food preparation.