|
Pandemic
Flu: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Key
Poultry & Egg Food
Is there a risk for becoming infected with avian
influenza by eating poultry?
Properly prepared poultry is safe to eat. There is no evidence
that properly cooked poultry can be a source of infection for
avian influenza viruses. However, both humans and animals have
contracted avian influenza from eating undercooked poultry products.
Usual recommended cooking practices for poultry products should
be followed to lower the risk of common bacterial diseases spread
by poor handling and cooking techniques. Cooking food to 160 degrees
Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) will kill bird flu virus if it
is present.
Is it safe to eat raw eggs?
Eggs from infected poultry could also be contaminated with the
virus and therefore care should be taken in handling eggs or raw
egg products. Commercial mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces that
contain pasteurized eggs are safe to eat. The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) discourages the consumption of eggs that have not been adequately
cooked. FDA advises consumers to avoid eating or tasting foods
that may contain raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as:
- raw batter, filling, or cookie dough made with raw eggs;
- eggnog and other egg-fortified beverages that are not thoroughly
cooked; and
- homemade and fresh-made dressings and sauces made with raw
eggs such as Caesar salad dressing, Béarnaise sauce,
Hollandaise sauce, Aioli sauce, mayonnaise; homemade ice cream;
mousse; meringue; or tiramisu.
|
