Is Bird Flu Threatening Your Breakfast? What You Need to Know About Eggs, Chicken, and Milk Safety
As the bird flu outbreak continues to affect various poultry and livestock, many people are concerned about the safety of consuming animal products such as milk, eggs, and beef. Understanding how bird flu impacts food safety is essential to ensure that you make informed dietary decisions.
Understanding the Bird Flu Outbreak
The bird flu outbreak has resulted in significant infections among chickens and dairy cows, with viral particles detected in samples of dairy products. These situations have raised numerous health-related questions among consumers regarding the safety of milk, beef, and eggs.
Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assured the public that no live, infectious virus has been found in commercial food products. While virus fragments have been identified in items such as pasteurized milk, sour cream, and cottage cheese, the overall risk to consumers remains low.
- The FDA states that the food supply is safe, with no live bird flu detected in commercial foods.
- Virus particles have only been found in pasteurized dairy products, indicating low risk.
Is It Safe to Eat Chicken, Eggs, and Beef?
Experts assert that the chance of contracting bird flu through food is extremely low. Elaine Vanier, DVM, a key figure in animal welfare at NSF International, emphasizes that H5N1 is not a significant food safety concern.
S. Wesley Long, MD, PhD, echoing this sentiment, adds that the food industry has rigorous safeguards in place to ensure infected poultry do not enter the market:
“Because it is so contagious and commercially devastating for commercial poultry when an infected bird is detected, entire flocks have to be destroyed. This poultry is not sold.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also requires that dairy cows test negative for Influenza A before being transported between states. Even if the virus managed to reach your eggs or beef, cooking them to a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill the virus as well as more common harmful bacteria like Salmonella.
Why Is There an Egg Shortage?
While it is generally safe to consume eggs, the practical availability of eggs has been affected. Farmers have had to cull flocks exposed to bird flu, leading to a shortage of egg-laying hens, and consequently, a scarcity of eggs.
This shortage is driving up egg prices significantly. According to the Consumer Price Index, the average cost of a dozen large Grade A eggs has surged from $2.52 in January 2024 to $4.95 recently.
Are Dairy Products Safe?
The FDA has found noninfectious fragments of the influenza virus in commercial pasteurized milk and other dairy products. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that mother animals are carrying the live virus in pasteurized milk.
“The data generated to date shows that the virus does not survive pasteurization,” said Richard J. Webby, PhD, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. “We have tested pasteurized milk and have not found any live virus. So pasteurized milk is safe.”
However, experts warn against consuming unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk:
“Consuming raw unpasteurized milk in the U.S. right now is definitely risky,” Webby added. “We know there is H5 virus in the milk of infected cows.”
How to Reduce Your Risk
To further minimize risk, consider the following guidelines:
- Avoid unpasteurized milk and products made from it.
- Thoroughly cook meat, chicken, and eggs to the recommended safe temperatures.
- Practice proper storage and handling of animal products.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling any food.
- Stay informed on the latest updates regarding the bird flu outbreak by consulting credible sources like the CDC, FDA, and USDA.
In conclusion, while the bird flu poses serious concerns for the poultry and dairy industry, consumers can take simple steps to protect themselves and remain informed to make safe food choices.
