What to know about eating eggs as bird flu spreads
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As the bird flu outbreak grows, egg prices soar and food recalls mount, consumers may be left wondering whether it's safe to have that morning omelet.
The big picture: Yes, eggs sold at grocery stores remain safe for human consumption, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- "The likelihood that eggs from infected poultry are found in the retail market is low and proper storage and preparation further reduce the risk," an FDA spokesperson said in an email Friday.
Driving the news: The first bird flu-related human death in the U.S. was reported Monday in Louisiana.
- The person was exposed to sick and dead birds in a non-commercial backyard flock and to wild birds, state health officials said.
Yes, but: The risk of people becoming infected with bird flu through the consumption of contaminated shell eggs is low, the FDA and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service found in a 2010 risk assessment.
- Kalmia Kniel, professor of animal and food sciences at the University of Delaware, told Axios that the poultry industry "has excellent biosecurity which is critical to reducing the risk of avian influenza and the spread of the virus to flocks."
- There is a routine testing program for chickens in commercial production, she added, and the industry monitors the birds carefully for signs of infection or illness.
Be smart: It's recommended that consumers buy eggs sold from a refrigerator and that they open the carton and make sure that the eggs are clean and the shells are not cracked, Kniel said via email on Friday.
- At home, refrigerate your eggs at a temperature of 40F or less, she added.
- It is generally advised to cook eggs until the white and the yolk are firm.
- "After cracking eggs and handling egg shells it is a good idea to wash your hands and also wipe any spills that may have occurred if cracking eggs and cooking with children," Kniel said.
The bottom line: Cooking poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature, in addition to preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, are key for food safety.
- To avoid contracting bird flu, people should also avoid touching sick or dead animals.
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