Bird flu cases are on the rise across multiple U.S. states as the first reported death from the highly contagious virus occurred this week in Louisiana. The outbreak of avian influenza, known as HPAI, is impacting poultry farms and causing significant disruptions to the supply of poultry products, including eggs.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, avian influenza can spread swiftly through contact with infected animals, equipment, and even on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. With its increasing spread, the question on many consumers’ minds is: are the eggs on grocery store shelves safe to eat?
Recent communications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest there is a "low" likelihood of eggs from infected poultry appearing on retail markets. The FDA emphasized the importance of proper storage and preparation, stating, "store-bought and properly cooked eggs are safe to eat," as confirmed by Anna Wald, MD, head of the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division at the University of Washington.
Wald explained, "The risk of humans contracting bird flu through consumption of contaminated eggshells remains low due to rigorous federal inspections and flock testing." Nevertheless, caution is warranted. Registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein advised against consuming any soft-boiled or runny eggs during this time, advocating instead for fully cooked options to mitigate any potential risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated food safety guidelines concerning bird flu concerns, reitering the necessity of cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate pathogens like the avian influenza virus. "There is currently no evidence indicating infections from properly handled and cooked poultry products," the CDC stated.
Despite the reassurances on food safety, the bird flu outbreak is inevitably affecting egg prices, which are likely to increase as the virus continues to spread. Farmers and producers are grappling with the immediate impacts on their operations, as many are now forced to implement stricter biosecurity measures to protect flocks.
The nightlife of the poultry market can be unpredictable, particularly during outbreaks such as this one. Experts recommend maintaining vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines. The USDA continues to monitor the situation closely and has been responsive to inquiries about food safety practices as the pandemic continues to evolve.
Health officials remind the public to separate uncooked poultry from ready-to-eat foods, and to thoroughly cook all poultry products, including eggs, before consumption. These precautions are needed to prevent potential infections associated with undercooked meats or eggs.
The continuous rise of avian influenza cases not only creates alarm for public health but also presents challenges for the agriculture industry. Connecting necessary safety practices with overall food security is now more important than ever as infections become increasingly prevalent across the nation.
Going forward, it remains important for consumers to stay informed through reliable resources, such as the CDC and FDA, about how to handle and prepare poultry products safely. With the right practices, the risks associated with this flu outbreak can be minimized.
While this current outbreak will undoubtedly continue to impact poultry farms and the supply chain, consumers can mitigate their risks through diligent food safety practices and by adhering to the latest recommendations from health officials.