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The nation’s largest egg supplier has suspended production after chickens at one of its Texas factories tested positive for the highly contagious bird flu. This is the latest example of a surge in cases across the United States.
According to a news release from egg supplier Cal-Maine Foods, the CDC says, “The health risk to the U.S. public from the HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) virus is considered to be low,” adding, “There is.” Ta. There are no known risks associated with HPAI associated with eggs currently on the market, and no eggs have been recalled. ”
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), HPAI “cannot be transmitted from eggs that are safely handled and properly prepared.”
But what exactly does that mean? Also, are overly-cooked or fried eggs with runny yolks considered properly cooked? Are the risks associated with eating undercooked eggs more serious than they are now? Social media is buzzing With questions.
Here’s everything you need to know, according to experts.
Bird flu and ‘properly cooked’ eggs
Darin Detweiler, a food safety expert and associate professor of food policy at Northeastern University, said “safely handled and properly prepared eggs” are especially important as concerns about avian influenza grow. said. “Although H5N1 primarily infects birds, the potential for human infection also exists, so it is important that eggs are handled and prepared carefully to minimize the risk of infection.”
Handling eggs safely means storing them in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below as soon as you get home from the grocery store to prevent bacterial growth, Detwiler says. Also, avoid using cracked or dirty eggs. Also, remember to wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces with soap and water after touching raw eggs.
Click here for more information about avian influenza.The outbreak of avian influenza has raised concerns about its spread. What you need to know.
The FDA also recommends storing raw poultry and eggs separately from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
According to the CDC, “properly cooked eggs” are eggs that have been cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more likely to kill pathogens. In other words, a fried egg with a runny yolk isn’t considered “properly cooked,” says Wade Sayers, a food safety expert at Michigan State University Extension.
In a typical scenario where there is no avian influenza outbreak to consider, the Department of Agriculture recommends that “all people avoid eating raw or undercooked egg yolks, whites, or products containing them.” There is. This is to avoid food poisoning caused by the bacteria Salmonella, which can remain on or inside eggs. to the outer shell.
The FDA says to cook eggs until both the yolk and white are set. Also, if you plan on consuming “raw or undercooked” eggs, make sure they are pasteurized. This means that it is rapidly heated to destroy bacteria and kept at the minimum temperature required for a specified amount of time.
Is it safe to eat watery eggs during the bird flu outbreak in Texas?
Cal-Maine Foods said there is no need to worry about eating contaminated eggs at this time, but given that the company is the largest egg supplier in the U.S., experts advise caution. There is.
“On the other hand, I would say that everyone should always be aware of food safety and avoid eating runny eggs,” Detweiler said. However, “Nowadays, consumers… absolutely Pay attention to reliable food sources and proper preparation, handling, and refrigeration. ”
Professor Detwiler concluded: “If avian influenza is a concern, eggs should be cooked until both the white and yolk are set, which further increases their safety.”
People at high risk of foodborne illness, such as infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, should be especially careful with soluble eggs at this time, Sayers said, avoiding soluble eggs. I agree that it should.
That said, the FDA notes that “because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry and the safety measures in place, including flock testing and federal inspections, eggs from infected poultry may be found on the retail market.” It’s unlikely.” program. ”And if eggs are properly prepared and stored, the risk is even lower, the FDA says.
Natalie Neysa Alund contributed to this report.
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