Dr Rohit Garg, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, busts a few misconceptions
Is it a good idea to stop eating eggs and poultry during an outbreak of bird flu, like the kind reported in the US recently? Questions on safety are being asked amid concerns that infected hens could lay eggs infected with the avian flu or H5N1 virus, or that milk from sick cows could be harmful. So let’s address some misconceptions.
COOK EGGS THROUGH AND THROUGH
Eggs are safe for consumption if cooked thoroughly. While it’s true that high temperatures can deactivate the avian influenza virus, the risk associated with inadequately cooked eggs remains. Undercooked eggs may not reach the requisite temperatures to neutralise the virus entirely. So boiled and fried eggs are a green tick, half-boiled and runny ones are not.
HOW TO HANDLE EGGS?
Another fallacy revolves around the appearance of eggshells—a belief that clean shells mean eggs are safe. However, research indicates that the avian influenza virus can contaminate the surface of eggshells, emphasising the importance of thorough egg handling, hand hygiene and cooking to eliminate risks. Keep raw eggs separate from other foods, especially those that are consumed raw, such as salads or fruits. Use separate cutting boards, utensils and plates for raw poultry to prevent cross-contamination.
Similarly, if you have fears about the transmission of bird flu through contact with egg cartons from grocery stores, know that the risk of contracting the virus from packaging is exceedingly low. Still, wash your hands thoroughly after such a contact.
Contrary to popular belief, not all eggs on the market are susceptible to bird flu contamination. Eggs sourced from regions unaffected by the outbreak are generally considered safe. Besides, commercial egg producers often implement stringent biosecurity measures to safeguard their flocks, minimising the risk of disease transmission.
PASTEURISED EGGS AND MILK
An undue alarm has been raised about the safety of pasteurised egg products, which are gently heated in their shells, just enough to kill the bacteria but not enough to actually cook the egg. Pasteurization, a standard process used to eliminate pathogens by heating products to specific temperatures, negates the risk of virus transmission too. Pasteurised milk from dairy majors and their products like cheese are safe for this reason.
ARE EGGS FROM VACCINATED BIRDS SAFE?
Vaccines administered to poultry are rigorously tested and approved by regulatory agencies to protect against diseases, including avian influenza. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming eggs from vaccinated birds poses any health risks to humans.
Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/bird-flu-from-eggs-and-chicken-9277875/
