Guide on Food Items Safe for Consumption During Avian flu Outbreak

Go ahead and grab your breakfast, lunch, and dinner – but avoid the raw stuff!

While the chatter about the bird flu spreading in unusual places has some truth to it, let's debunk the fears surrounding our grocery list. The H5N1, or avian influenza, that typically wreaks havoc on poultry and wild birds, has lately made an appearance in some dairy herds and beef supply chains.

BUT, EASY ON THE NERVES, FOLKS! The virus isn't likely to infect humans in a manner it does birds. As of now, only one case of human infection has been documented during this outbreak, resulting in a minor case of conjunctivitis (or pink eye). Fortunately, the virus shows signs of being manageable with existing flu medications.

What's the deal with bird flu, anyways?

Bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been causing chaos among wild birds and poultry flocks for decades. It's called highly pathogenic because of its destructive impact on birds. While cases in mammals are rare, they can be severe in humans. Apart from the impact on birds, the fear of a potential pandemic outbreak is a significant concern. Thank goodness the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently rates the general public's risk from bird flu viruses as low.

So, does that mean you should swap egg at breakfast for something else?

Milk: Proceed, but make it pasteurized!

Dr. Helen Chu, an infectious disease expert at UW Medicine, said there's no need to chuck away your milk bottles. There's a reason they pasteurize it in the first place – to ensure any lingering viruses, including H5N1, are toast. While tests are underway to confirm the presence of bird flu in dairy and beef products, it's important to remember that so far, no live virus has been detected in milk.

Eggs and Beef: YES, BUT COOK 'EM GOOD!

There's no evidence to suggest humans can contract bird flu from eggs or beef. Instead, the usual culprits like salmonella or E. coli could be lurking in there if you're not careful with preparation. As long as you take the proper precautions – washing your hands, keeping up with food temperatures, and ensuring everything's cooked properly – you should be A-okay!

"Beef and eggs, cooked thoroughly, should be fine to eat because high temperatures destroy the virus," says Chu. Aim for a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for cuts of meat and 165°F for ground meat and poultry before consuming.

The gist of it:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus among dairy cattle. As long as you heed safe food temperatures and steer clear of raw products, you'll be able to enjoy your morning latte, eggs, and steak without fretting about the bird flu.

This story was originally published in the UW Medicine Newsroom.

Trivia Corner:

Bird flu first gained recognition in 1997, causing a massive epidemic in Hong Kong featuring the H5N1 virus.
The bird flu outbreak has led to the culling of millions of birds worldwide.
The U.S. egg industry has been dealing with fluctuating prices due to the HPAI outbreak.

Rather than fearing the bird flu outbreak, it's crucial to focus on safe food handling practices, such as cooking eggs and beef thoroughly to destroy the virus, and ensuring both are stored and prepared at the correct temperatures.
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has rated the general public's risk from bird flu viruses as low, it's important to remember that proper precautions like washing hands, keeping up with food temperatures, and cooking food thoroughly should still be observed for overall health and wellness.
Concerning the common misconception that raw products could transmit bird flu, it has been established by experts like Dr. Helen Chu that existing flu medications have shown signs of being able to manage the virus. Thus, following safe food practices and enjoying pasteurized milk shouldn't cause unnecessary worries in this context.