As the bird flu spreads, are eggs and milk safe?

 

 

What is known and unknown about the risk the virus presents in food is as follows

After being found in dairy cows in many states, a type of avian influenza that has killed millions of birds in recent years has raised questions over the safety of the dairy supply in the United States.

In a statement issued last week, federal agricultural and health authorities emphasized that there “continues to be no concern” over the security of the commercial milk supply, but they also emphasized that the agencies are keeping an eye on the situation as it develops.

Researchers have shown that people may contract bird flu if they come into touch with sick animals—including dead ones—without wearing protective gear. It appears that this is what happened to a person who was infected in Texas recently. As of right now, no proof eating pasteurized or cooked food might expose people to bird flu, according to Benjamin Chapman, a food safety expert and professor at North Carolina State University.

He clarified, “That’s not to say it couldn’t happen.” Simply said, there is a good chance that it won’t happen in the past. And that’s excellent news.

Dr. Chapman and other specialists noted that there are a few critical aspects, such as the precise nature of the virus’s transmission to cows and the extent of the present outbreak, that researchers are still trying to figure out. According to public safety organizations, it’s unclear what dangers unpasteurized goods pose.

Veterinarian and independent public health consultant Dr. Gail Hansen stated, “There’s a lot more in the unknown part of the known versus unknown column.”

What is known about dairy products and avian flu?

The Food and Drug Administration has stated that pasteurized cheese is safe and that the commercial supply of pasteurized milk is still safe, despite the discovery of avian flu in unpasteurized milk samples from sick cows last month. To prevent it from ending up on shop shelves, milk from unwell cows is either discarded or redirected.

Influenza will be eradicated by the pasteurization process, which involves boiling milk to kill bacteria, according to Matthew Moore, an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst’s Department of Food Science.

In the past ten years, raw or unpasteurized milk has been more widely available in the US, yet it already increases a person’s chance of contracting dangerous bacteria. Food safety specialist Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, stated, “Now there’s a whole new level of concern.” “I don’t think there’s a valid argument these days that says we shouldn’t be concerned about drinking raw milk.”

According to the FDA, it is still unknown if eating raw milk or cheese products derived from affected cows might expose humans to avian flu. It was advised by the FDA that producers should not use raw milk or raw milk cheese from animals exhibiting symptoms.

What about meat?