Many are wondering if our food could be putting us in danger.
Felicia Wu, PhD is a food safety specialist from Michigan State University. She shares her insights. Although bird flu can technically be spread through food, in the current outbreak no human cases are linked to it. With 66 confirmed cases of H5N1 in America, mainly in people who work with livestock and poultry it’s only natural to question the safety of our eggs, poultry, and dairy.
You’re safe as long as your food is cooked properly. The USDA closely monitors and tests all food products. Infected flocks and herds are destroyed and their products are destroyed. Wu emphasizes that cooking beef, poultry, and eggs to 165@F will kill the virus. Avoid raw milk, and wash your hands after handling them.
This outbreak affects our wallets as well. As flocks are being culled, egg prices are rising. But don’t let fear dictate your choices. You can still enjoy your favorite food safely if you take the right precautions.
What’s your opinion? Do you change your eating habits due to the bird flu?
