Research background. While it is clear that SARS CoV-2 coronavirus is the primary respiratory virus, there are no entirely clarified ways of transmission. Foodborne transmission remained an unexplained path of transmission. Therefore, the goals of this paper are to examine and present an assessment of the most appropriate of the four selected kits for RNA extraction for the testing and detection of SARS-CoV-2 on food packaging and food surfaces. After this, it could be possible to indicate the possibility of infection through contact or direct food consumption.
Experimental approach. Finding the best technique is vital as RNA extraction is one of the essential elements in detecting SARS-CoV-2. That was achieved through an experiment on four commercial kits with the original manufacturer protocol and with modification applications of ethanol and isopropanol. The selected kit was used for RNA extraction from the swab and the food samples. The coronavirus was then identified using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays to determine whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus or viral particles are present in the food chain with the overall purpose of demonstrating the possibility that food can contribute as a vehicle for the transmission of the virus.
Results and conclusions. The findings of this investigation made the most effective extraction kit and protocol stand out. The results of applicability confirmation of the kit indicated a significant share of positive samples on viral SARS-CoV-2 virus particles on surfaces. However, according to the second part of the study's findings, the virus was not detected in examined samples of food packaging surfaces, food surfaces, and in food.
Novelty and scientific contribution. The study and presented results defined one of the most suitable protocols for isolating RNA from environmental surface samples. The main contribution of the study is in the presentation of the results of the study, that is, the examination of samples that are primarily related to the food chain, food packaging, food surfaces, and the food itself in the sense of ready-to-eat food. The results of this study could also be helpful for further determining the potential of food as a vector for the transmission of coronaviruses.