Safe to consume eggs and poultry?

Is it safe to consume chicken, turkey, duck and eggs?

Yes. there is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for bird flu. Because other common diseases such as salmonella infection can be spread by eating undercooked poultry or eggs:

• Wash hands with soap and hot water after touching any raw meat.
• Clean cutting boards and counters used for food preparation right after use.
• Cook eggs and meat thoroughly. (Cook meat to an internal temperature of 165º).

Reference: Vermont Department of Health. (2005). Avian Influenza: Bird Flu Facts. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from healthvermont.gov Website: http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/flu/birdflu/birdflu.aspx

Is it safe to eat poultry and eggs?

Yes, the poultry and eggs available in the market are safe to eat. Bird flu is transmitted to humans through close contact with infected live poultry. There is no evidence that bird flu can be spread to humans through the consumption of poultry and eggs.

Are there guidelines to cooking poultry?

Consumers are advised to eat food that is well-cooked. Thorough cooking helps to kill any harmful germs present. The eating of any raw or semi-cooked food, including eggs, comes with an inherent food safety risk.

Is it safe to handle raw poultry?

Yes, it is safe to handle raw poultry. Bird flu is transmitted to humans through close contact with infected live poultry. However, you should practice general food safety precautions such as separating raw from cooked food to avoid cross contamination which can cause food poisoning.

Reference: Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore. (2005). FAQs: About Bird Flu. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from ava.gov.sg Website: http://www.ava.gov.sg/AVA/Templates/AVA-GenericContentTemplate.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2fNewsEvents%2fHotTopics%2fBirdFlu%2findex%2ehtm&NRNODEGUID=%7b67B3B7E2-ABCD-4580-A437-019BCA8DCC91%7d&NRCACHEHINT=Guest#consumption


Eating Chicken and Poultry

Is it safe to consume chicken, eggs and other poultry?
Yes. The poultry and eggs available in the market are safe to eat. There is no evidence that you can get bird flu by eating chicken, eggs and other poultry products.

Is it safe to handle chickens, eggs and other poultry bought from the market or supermarket?
Yes, it is safe to handle them. However, you should still practise general food safety precautions such as separating raw food from cooked food, and washing your hands after preparing food.

Is it safe to consume raw or half-boiled eggs, and semi-cooked meat?
You should eat food that is well cooked. Eating any raw or semi-cooked food comes with an inherent food safety risk.

Reference: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts. (2005) Bird Flu FAQ. Retrieved April 1, 2008 from crisis.gov.sg Wesite:
http://www.crisis.gov.sg/FLU/BirdFlu/BirdFluFAQ/