Bird flu outbreak: Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs?

As the prices of eggs continue to rise, so does the concern of the ongoing bird flu amongst many consumers. Six provinces in South Africa have reported cases of avian influenza (bird flu), and millions of chickens already had to be culled to prevent further spread of the disease.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease that is currently affecting birds around the world. While the virus is primarily a threat to birds, consumers are questioning if it could also pose health risks to them.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), bird flu is spread by close contact with an infected bird (dead or alive). This includes touching infected birds, touching droppings or bedding, and killing or preparing infected poultry for cooking.

The current outbreak has been particularly severe, leading to concerns about the potential impact on public health as chicken and eggs are part of many South Africans’ daily food products.

Consumers are worried

Mbali Natali from KwaZulu-Natal says she has seen a significant price change and scarcity of eggs since she heard about the ongoing bird flu and does not even know what symptoms to look for if she has consumed a contaminated product.

“I have no idea how to ensure the eggs and chicken I bought are safe; it’s just an assumption I have that if it’s in store, farmers must have checked their chickens or it was in stock before the outbreak. I am really scared now to purchase eggs or chicken,” she says.

“Egg prices have also increased significantly compared to chicken prices. It seems like food retailers are out to move stock, and most people are not aware, so when you see chickens on sale, you buy them.

“We also assume stock on the shelves is not affected because all sick chickens died or never made it out of the farm. I’m gullible, placing trust in retailers to value customers’ lives and not sell contaminated products.”

Shortages spark fears

Since hearing about the bird flu, Mawande Sima from Port Shepstone says he noticed some big retailers running out of eggs and is concerned about the possible health risks that consuming eggs or chicken going forward may cause.

“I am scared about the safety of consuming eggs and chicken during a bird flu outbreak. My life could also be in danger because I could get food poisoning,” he says.

“We can’t shy away from eating chicken, so I will boil it using water and vinegar and rinse it before frying it or cooking it to make it safer for consumption. I have no idea how to make eggs safer, so maybe I will just remove them off my grocery list.”

According to Johannesburg-based registered dietitian Xoli Dube, it is generally safe to consume properly cooked poultry products like chicken and eggs during a bird flu outbreak. Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of at least 74°C (until both the white and yolk are firm) kills the bird flu virus, if present.

Handling of food

However, Dube also emphasises the importance of following proper food handling and safety practices such as: 

• Thoroughly cooking poultry products to ensure they are safe to eat.
• Avoiding cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw poultry and other foods. 
• Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw poultry. 
• Storing raw poultry and eggs properly in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.

“Additionally, if there are specific advisories or guidelines from the department of health or the National Institute for Communicable Diseases regarding the consumption of poultry products during a bird flu outbreak, it’s important to follow them,” she says.

Safety precautions

In addition to guidelines for handling and cooking poultry, Dube recommends other important food safety practices to be aware of during a bird flu outbreak:

• Wash hands thoroughly: Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food, especially raw poultry. This helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. 
• Clean and sanitise surfaces: Regularly clean and sanitise countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and kitchen equipment to prevent cross-contamination. 
• Avoid contact with wild birds:  Wild birds may carry avian influenza. Do not handle or feed them. 
• Use safe water: Ensure that the water you use for cooking and washing food is safe and from a reliable source. (Concern over recent water shortages!)
• Follow proper refrigeration practices: Keep perishable foods, including raw poultry and eggs, refrigerated at the appropriate temperature (4.4°C or below) to slow down bacterial growth. 
• Check for food recalls: Stay informed about any food recalls or advisories related to bird flu outbreaks. If a product is recalled, follow the recommended steps provided by the relevant authorities. 
• Avoid raw poultry products: Don’t eat raw or undercooked poultry, including dishes like tartare or sushi that may contain raw poultry. 
• Use safe eggs: Ensure that eggs are handled and cooked properly. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs, and follow proper egg handling practices. 
• Maintain personal hygiene: Shower regularly, wear clean clothes, and keep your hair tied back to prevent contamination.
• – Seek medical attention if sick: If you develop flu-like symptoms after consuming poultry, Dube suggests seeking medical attention promptly and informing your healthcare provider of any potential exposure to bird flu.

Stay in the loop

“Remember to stay updated on any specific guidelines or recommendations provided. Following these practices helps reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses during a bird flu outbreak,” advises Dube.

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