The FDA has released a guide to cleaning food transport vehicles that have been rented for the “preservation of human remains,” of COVID-19 patients.

FDA Says Food Trucks Used To Store COVID-19 Bodies Can Still Be Used AfterwardStephanie Keith / Getty Images

The FDA guide reads, in part, “Refrigerated food transport vehicles and refrigerated food storage units used for the temporary preservation of human remains during the COVID-19 pandemic subsequently can be safely used for food transport and food storage under certain circumstances. It is important that food is protected during transport and storage to ensure food is safe for humans and animals and that conditions do not exist that may adulterate the food. Before returning to service to transport or store human or animal food, refrigerated food transport vehicles and refrigerated food storage units used to hold human remains during the COVID-19 pandemic should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.”

The trucks have been used at hospitals, morgues, and funeral homes as another means to store bodies, as the healthcare system has become overwhelmed with deaths.

Luckily, the guide does, at least, state that any truck that is “is permeated by offensive odors that cannot be eliminated through cleaning and disinfecting,” should be disposed of completely. 

Check out the guide for yourself here.

[Via]