Fruit and vegetables from the supermarket have the potential to spread coronavirus, and should be washed thoroughly with soap and water before consuming, a virologist has said.

While fresh food is not believed to be a likely source of contagion, a transfer of the virus is still possible.

Coronavirus has been shown to live on surfaces for several days, and fresh produce can be handled by hundreds of people in that time, from employees to other customers.

While many supermarket workers are now wearing gloves and disinfecting their hands regularly, other shoppers are likely picking up the fruit in-store and testing it for ripeness.

Associate professor at the University of Sydney, Timothy Newsome told the Daily Mail: “We have to remember that every surface is potentially contaminated. And like with any surface there is a risk,” he said.

To protect yourself from the potential of transmission, the best course of action is to wash your fruit and vegetables with soap as soon as you get home, he said.

“Wash them with warm soapy water, just as you do your hands,” Newsome said.

The virus has been shown to live on cardboard for up to 24 hours and plastic for up to 72 hours, so always wash your hands after handling groceries, even non-perishables.

The greatest risk, however, is through person-to-person contact. To minimise your risk, consider shopping outside of peak hours, keeping a safe distance from other shoppers and refraining from touching your face.

Recent stories: Supermarkets and pharmacies in NSW to start trading 24 hours a day

Bottle stores add buying limits to booze