Ensuring That Your Kids Eat Safe Amid Bird Flu

Parents are struggling to find the correct information on the on going avian influenza A(H5N1), which is commonly known as bird flu. As per the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health conducted this survey where they asked parents if they were aware about the on-going bird flu and how to handle poultry products.

The survey included 2,021 parents of children aged 18 and younger. While 43% reported that they were unable to find accurate information, 1 in 5 parents said that the media is actually making way too big deal about the virus. However 41% of the parents wish that the government was doing more to prevent the outbreak.

The survey also revealed that one-third of the parents took action to protect their family against the bird flu, while 22% were being more careful about the hygiene. Of them, 13% were cautious handling eggs, chicken and other meat products, 12% avoid contact with birds, and 10% avoided raw milk.

25% of the parents were concerned about possible transmission between animals and humans or human-to-human spread.

So, what can be done? How can you handle poultry safely?

Pasteurisation and cooking them at high temperatures can curb the threat. It is also important to handle your poultry products when you are buying and storing them.

Also, avoid drinking raw milk to kill avian influenza A(H5N1).

The meat juice can spill over and contaminate other food items, therefore it is extremely important to store it properly, in a way that it does not contaminate another food item. Always store it in a cool bag when you are transporting it and refrigerate and freeze the meat for the first two hours of buying.

You must also cook your chicken so the viruses do not survive on the chicken.

How To Handle Eggs Safely?

Flu viruses can infect chicken eggs by entering through the eggshell. The eggshells are smaller than the pores of eggshells, which means viruses can enter the eggs and the egg's surface will still be protected. However, it is still important to handle it safely.

As per the US Food and Drug Administration, cooking poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature and preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.

Is It Safe To Eat Chicken?

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.

What Should You Avoid?

Raw or undercooked chicken

Raw or soft eggs

Raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products

Cross-contaminated foods

Meat from unregulated sources