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| "With no evidence that the virus is in anything we eat raw other than milk, I’ll continue to prepare my eggs so that the yolk is runny," writes Michael Ruhlman. EzumeImages/iStockphoto/Getty Images |
Learn about bird flu, how it affects food safety, and essential cooking tips to stay safe. Answers to common questions on bird flu and food preparation.
Bird flu can spread to humans from infected birds. Learn how to cook safely, protect yourself, and understand the risks. Here are answers to common questions.
Runny Eggs: Delicious Delicacy or Bird Flu Risk?
I’m writing from an organic farm and ecotourism site in Tuscany called Spannocchia. I’ve just made myself a couple of mollet eggs — whites cooked, yolks runny.
Delicious — but also perhaps slightly worrying, given the emerging reports of bird flu on poultry and dairy farms. Should I be concerned? And should you be as well, as you prepare your favorite meals at home?
The Spread and Impact of Bird Flu
There have been numerous reported cases of wild birds and marine animals said to be carrying this virus and its variants, as well as the documented spread to mammals beyond cows, such as cats, dogs, and mice. Should any of that determine the temperature at which I cook my eggs? And just as importantly, what should I tell home cooks who seek my advice on the matter?
This avian flu virus is clearly something to take seriously as it spreads rapidly through dairy farms across the United States, affecting more than 90 herds in 12 states since March. It’s clear that drinking raw or unpasteurized milk is now high-risk. Donald G. McNeil Jr., a journalist who has covered epidemics for decades, wrote about our national dairy industry fighting a major epidemic of H5N1 avian flu.
Even though I know it may contain harmful bacteria, I’ve had raw milk. It’s delicious — and at the time I drank it, it seemed worth the risk. But viruses are not bacteria. They are a different kind of microorganism, capable of mutating.
Since we know that this virus is spreading through our dairy farms, it’s clearly foolhardy to drink raw milk. Not just so that you don’t get sick yourself, but just as importantly, so that you don’t become a spreader. Fortunately, with avian flu so far, there’s no evidence yet of human-to-human transmission. But again, viruses mutate. There’s no guarantee that transmissions between humans won’t occur in the future.
Cooking and Food Safety Recommendations
We have substantial evidence that heat inactivates the virus. The USDA reports that ground beef inoculated with the virus was virus-free when cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. For a burger or steak, that would be medium to well-done, with no pink at the center. Live virus is likewise not present in pasteurized milk.
Cooking Guidelines
So where does all of this leave us in terms of how you should proceed in your kitchen? Most food authorities couch their your-food-is-safe-to-eat opinions with the caveat as long as it’s properly cooked. But even with cooked food, there is some risk of becoming ill if an entire dish is not heated to pasteurization temperatures (between 145 degrees and 160 degrees Fahrenheit).
Until we learn otherwise, I would say the best guidance for now is that it’s probably safe to continue to prepare your meals as you always have — runny eggs and all. Most professional chefs I’ve spoken to are comfortable with that guidance. They haven’t changed kitchen protocol in terms of cooking times and temperatures as a result of bird flu.
Monitoring the Virus
We need to monitor how and where the virus is spreading. For now, the CDC risk assessment to humans from bird flu is low. But home cooks should keep an ear to the ground from health authorities for changes in that guidance.
Is there a danger that our avian flu could cause chefs and food writers like me to rethink that guidance? Yes, I’m afraid so. The virus has been found in the muscle of infected cattle, it’s alive in raw milk, and it is small enough to pass through the pores of eggshells.
Insights from Experts
As I was writing this piece, I reached out to a few chefs and others including McNeil, who is a leading authority on viruses and how they spread to get their views on the potential danger to our food chain posed by bird flu.
McNeil told me that he felt US food authorities could have done more — and done it much sooner — to sound the alarm to the public about the emergence and spread of bird flu. There are plenty of experts in the scientific community who agree with him.
The government needs to do more to make industrial farms comply with inspections that some have been resistant to. Moreover, he wrote to me by email that it’s clear that many dairy farmers are resisting letting inspectors onto their property to test either their cows or their workers. I think that’s outrageous. Hidden transmission creates the perfect setting for an epidemic.
Government and Inspection Challenges
Months into this bird flu outbreak, guidance from the government is less clear than we’d like about what we should and shouldn’t consume and how we should prepare the foods we love, and for a lot of people — including food professionals like me — that’s frustrating.
As the H5N1 virus spreads, there might come a moment when food authorities decide we should be taking greater precautions than we did before its emergence. That could mean cooking all burgers medium to well, all eggs till they’re hard, and taking steak tartare topped with a raw egg yolk totally off the menu.
With no evidence that the virus is in anything we eat raw other than milk, I’ll continue to prepare my eggs so that the yolk is runny, and I’ll keep ordering the beef tartare for dinner at my neighborhood bistro.
Personal Anecdote and Conclusion
It’s funny, though. The Italian farm where I’m staying employs numerous international interns. On the morning I began writing this essay, the first words I heard came from one of those interns, outside my window. She called out to her colleague, One of the chickens is dead.
Chickens on farms die for all kinds of reasons, but the timing seemed an ominous reminder that we need to be alert and to pay attention. Until we hear something definitive however, I’m trying not to be afraid of my food, and advise you to do the same. Bon appetit!
Table of Cooking Temperature
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| Table of Cooking Temperatures |
List of Precautions
- Avoid drinking raw or unpasteurized milk.
- Cook ground beef to at least 145°F.
- Ensure eggs reach pasteurization temperatures (145°F - 160°F).
- Stay informed about virus spread from health authorities.
- Follow updated guidance from food safety organizations.
By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can enjoy your favorite meals safely, even in the era of bird flu. Stay cautious, cook wisely, and enjoy your food with peace of mind.
Runny Eggs: Delicious Delicacy or Bird Flu Risk?
What is bird flu and how does it affect humans?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can sometimes infect humans. The virus spreads through contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms in humans can include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. Severe cases may lead to respiratory distress or pneumonia.
Can bird flu be transmitted through food?
Yes, it is possible to contract bird flu through undercooked poultry or eggs. The virus can survive in raw or undercooked poultry and eggs. However, proper cooking can kill the virus. It’s essential to cook poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165°F and eggs until both the white and yolk are firm to ensure they are safe to eat.
Is it safe to eat eggs during a bird flu outbreak?
Yes, it is safe to eat eggs if they are properly cooked. The bird flu virus is inactivated by heat, so cooking eggs thoroughly will kill any potential virus. Ensure that eggs are cooked until both the white and yolk are firm. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs to minimize the risk.
Can bird flu spread through milk and dairy products?
Bird flu can potentially spread through raw, unpasteurized milk from infected animals. However, pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume because the pasteurization process kills the virus. It’s crucial to avoid raw milk and choose pasteurized products to reduce the risk of infection.
How can I protect myself from bird flu when cooking?
To protect yourself from bird flu, follow these cooking tips:
- Cook poultry to at least 165°F.
- Cook eggs until both the white and yolk are firm.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw poultry and other foods.
- Wash hands and surfaces with hot, soapy water after handling raw poultry and eggs.
Are there any foods I should avoid during a bird flu outbreak?
During a bird flu outbreak, avoid consuming raw or undercooked poultry and eggs. Also, steer clear of raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products. Stick to pasteurized dairy products and thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs to minimize the risk of infection.
Can bird flu affect other animals besides birds?
Yes, bird flu can infect various mammals, including pigs, cats, dogs, and even marine mammals. The virus has been found in different animal species, indicating its ability to cross species barriers. However, human cases from these animals remain rare.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
Symptoms of bird flu in humans can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye infections
Severe cases can lead to respiratory distress or pneumonia. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms after exposure to birds or contaminated environments.
How can I prevent bird flu infection?
Preventing bird flu infection involves:
- Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds
- Cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly
- Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water
- Avoiding raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products
- Staying informed about local bird flu outbreaks and following public health advice
What should I do if I suspect bird flu infection?
If you suspect bird flu infection, seek medical attention immediately. Inform your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any potential exposure to birds or contaminated environments. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
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By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can safely enjoy your favorite meals even during a bird flu outbreak. Stay cautious, cook wisely, and keep yourself and your family safe.
Stay safe by following these tips. If you have questions or tips, leave a comment, share this post, or explore more content on our website.
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