Food Authorities Quell Concerns over Eggs and Cooked Chicken Amid Bird Flu Detection Amidst heightened awareness of avian influenza, food authorities have taken swift action to allay concerns regarding the safety of eggs and cooked chicken. Eggs The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that eggs originating from infected farms pose no risk to human health when properly cooked. Eggs must be thoroughly heated to 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 10 minutes to ensure the destruction of any potential virus. Cooked Chicken Similarly, cooked chicken is safe to consume if handled and prepared properly. The virus is sensitive to heat and can be effectively eliminated by cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit). Proper handling and thorough hygiene measures are crucial. Food Authority Measures To minimize potential risks, food authorities have implemented the following measures: * Enhanced surveillance and monitoring of poultry farms * Restrictions on the movement of poultry and eggs from infected areas * Increased testing and inspections of poultry products * Public health education campaigns on proper handling and disinfection Consumer Advice Consumers are advised to take the following precautions: * Purchase eggs and chicken from reputable sources * Thoroughly cook eggs and chicken before consumption * Avoid handling raw poultry or its products * Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling poultry * Disinfect surfaces that have come into contact with poultry products Conclusion While the detection of bird flu is a concern, food authorities have implemented robust measures to ensure the safety of eggs and cooked chicken. By following recommended guidelines and adhering to proper handling practices, consumers can minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Continued vigilance and cooperation are crucial to prevent any potential health risks.Food Safety Alert: Cooked Chicken and Eggs Safe to Consume Amid Bird Flu ConcernsFood Safety Alert: Cooked Chicken and Eggs Safe to Consume Amid Bird Flu Concerns Melbourne, Australia – Food authorities have issued an urgent alert to Australian consumers regarding cooked chicken and eggs, reassuring them that there is no risk of bird flu contamination. This announcement comes five days after supermarket giant Coles implemented purchase limits on eggs following the detection of bird flu at a fifth Victorian poultry farm. FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) has released a statement to alleviate fears about bird flu contamination in chicken and egg products: “Avian influenza (bird flu) is not a food safety issue, and it is safe to eat properly cooked and handled chicken meat, eggs, and egg products,” the statement reads. “There is no evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted to people through properly prepared food.” No Food Safety Risk FSANZ Chief Executive, Dr. Sandra Cuthbert, emphasized the safety of Australia’s food supply due to stringent regulatory and biosecurity measures. “Farms affected by bird flu have been quarantined, and the movement of animals and products has been restricted,” said Dr. Cuthbert. “Poultry affected by bird flu are being destroyed as part of the emergency response to contain the disease, which is highly contagious among poultry.” Follow Good Hygiene Practices FSANZ advised consumers to prioritize good hygiene practices when handling and preparing food, regardless of the current bird flu situation. This includes thoroughly cooking poultry and eggs, washing hands, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Coles Egg Purchase Limits Coles remains the only major supermarket to impose egg purchase limits, which currently stand at two cartons per customer in all stores except Western Australia. However, Woolworths and ALDI have not implemented any limits at this time. Additional Culling More than half a million chickens have been culled at five egg farms in southwest Victoria in an effort to halt the spread of bird flu.Authorities Reassure Public Amid Bird Flu Detection Officials from food regulatory agencies have taken steps to alleviate concerns regarding the safety of eggs and cooked chicken following the detection of bird flu in some poultry flocks. “We understand the public’s concerns, but rest assured that stringent measures are in place to ensure the safety of our food supply,” said a spokesperson for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Inspectors have been dispatched to farms and processing facilities to monitor birds and eggs for signs of the virus. Thorough cooking practices are also being emphasized to eliminate any potential risks. “Eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees,” advised a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts stress that the virus is not harmful to humans when properly cooked. Consumers are urged to follow safe handling and cooking guidelines to minimize any potential exposure. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed,” said the FDA spokesperson. “Our commitment to safeguarding the public’s health remains our top priority.”