The recent outbreak of bird flu, or avian flu (H5N1), has taken center stage, and all this has raised concerns regarding food safety in US. The virus itself, which primarily infects birds, has already been found to infect poultry as well as dairy cattle, making many wonder whether eating chicken, eggs, or milk is going to be unsafe for human consumption. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still categorizes the public health risk as low, knowledge of how the virus is transmitted and taking precautions can reduce any possible risks.Bird flu is highly contagious among birds and is also transmittable by saliva, nasal secretions, and droppings. Wild birds will generally transfer the virus to birds that are domesticated in poultry farms, thus causing an outbreak in these farms. People are susceptible to infection through direct contact with affected birds, infected surfaces, or perhaps by raw or unpasteurized animal food products.Although you do not have to exclude chicken, eggs, or milk from your diet if you practice good food safety but it is important to know that heating meat to safe internal temperatures and eating only pasteurized milk dramatically lowers any risk of infection. The biggest concern is still for those who work directly with infected cattle or birds, not for consumers who buy regulated, commercially produced food products.But the good news is that proper cooking of poultry and milk products lowers the risk of infection considerably. The biggest concern is for people who work with live or infected birds, not those eating cooked chicken or pasteurized milk.Is It Safe to Eat Chicken and Eggs?Yes, chicken and eggs are still safe to consume, as long as they are thoroughly cooked. Cooking chicken to the internal temperature of at least 165°F kills bacteria, viruses, and other germs, such as H5N1. The most accurate method of assuring that food is cooked is to use a meat thermometer.Safe food handling is crucial:Do not wash raw chicken prior to cooking since this can spread bacteria.Maintain a hygienic kitchen by disinfecting countertops and washing hands both before and after touching raw meat.Prevent cross-contamination by employing distinct cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked food.Reject suspect eggs that are small, soft-shelled, or deformed since these may be a sign of infection in hens, though infected birds usually discontinue laying eggs before the situation gets worse.The outbreak of bird flu has added substantially to the cost of eggs. Millions of birds have been slaughtered to avoid spreading the virus, and as a result, egg shortages have spread throughout the nation. Although it has impacted supply chains, it has not rendered store-bought eggs unsafe. If you buy eggs, check for pasteurized eggs to provide an additional level of security.Can You Get Bird Flu From Dairy Products?The H5N1 virus has been detected in dairy cattle, which has raised questions about milk and dairy consumption. Nevertheless, pasteurized dairy products are still safe to eat. Pasteurization is a process of heating milk to a temperature that kills harmful pathogens, such as avian influenza viruses.Meanwhile, raw milk and unpasteurized dairy items are to be avoided. Raw milk may harbor different pathogens such as H5N1 and may present a possible health threat. Be sure to read labels so that you buy only pasteurized dairy items.Foods to Avoid During the Bird Flu OutbreakWhile it is safe to consume properly cooked chicken and pasteurized dairy, there are some foods and habits to be avoided:Raw or undercooked chicken- Chicken that is not heated to 165°F can cause foodborne illness, including bird flu.Raw or soft eggs- Do not eat eggs that are not fully cooked, and especially unpasteurized eggs.Raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products- These may contain dangerous bacteria and viruses, such as H5N1.Cross-contaminated foods- Do not allow raw poultry and eggs to touch fresh foods such as salads or fruits.Meat from unregulated sources- Purchase poultry and dairy only from authorized suppliers that maintain food safety guidelines.Food Safety Measures To Reduce Infection RiskPreventing yourself from any possible bird flu transmission via food entails simple yet efficient food safety practices:Cook poultry and eggs well to the required temperature.Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of meats.Steer clear of raw dairy and eggs by using pasteurized substitutes.Wash hands and kitchen equipment thoroughly after working with raw poultry or eggs.Keep poultry and dairy products refrigerated at suggested temperatures to avoid bacterial growth.Being informed and vigilant is important. If you are unsure, referring to food safety recommendations from the CDC and FDA can provide additional assurance during the outbreak.
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