FSSAI issues a Guidance Document on Safe handling of poultry products. The document suggests that proper cooking inactivates the virus present inside the meat and eggs.
In view of the Bird Flu Pandemic, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a guidance document on “Safe handling, processing and consumption of poultry meat and eggs during bird flu Pandemic” for creating awareness amongst Food Business Operators (FBOs) and consumers.
One can download these guidelines which are available on FSSAI website.
This document aims to guide and create awareness among FBOs and consumers about safe handling and processing practices for poultry and eggs. It also provides guidance to the consumers for safe handling of poultry and eggs at the household level during such pandemic.
Avian influenza (AI), as per World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), is defined as an infection of poultry caused by any influenza A virus of the H5 or H7 subtypes or by any influenza A virus with an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) greater than 1.2. These viruses are divided into high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses and low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses.
The document suggests that proper cooking inactivates the virus present inside the meat and eggs. Poultry meat and eggs from the areas affected with outbreaks in poultry should not be consumed raw or partially cooked. However, to date, no evidence indicates that anyone has become infected following the consumption of properly cooked poultry or poultry products, even if these foods were contaminated with the avian influenza virus.
The WHO also states that it is safe to consume poultry meat and eggs. According to the WHO official website, there is no epidemiological data which suggests that the disease can be transmitted to humans through cooked food.
Poultry meat and eggs from areas with outbreaks in poultry should not be consumed raw or partially cooked. However, to date, no evidence indicates that anyone has become infected following the consumption of properly cooked poultry or poultry products, even if these foods were contaminated with the avian influenza virus.
Major Do’s and Don’ts suggested are:
- Do not eat half-boiled eggs
- Do not eat under-cooked chicken
- Avoid direct contact with birds in the infected areas
- Avoid touching dead birds with bare hands
- Do not keep raw meat in open
- No direct contact with raw meat
- Use a mask and gloves at the time of handling raw chicken
- Wash hands frequently
- Maintain the cleanliness of surroundings.
- Eat chicken, eggs and their products after cooking.
The virus is destroyed at 70°C if held for about 3 seconds. Also, properly cooking meat or eggs to achieve a temperature of 74°C in eggs or all parts of meat will inactivate the virus.
The bottom line is that properly prepared and cooked poultry meat and eggs are safe to eat!!
FSSAI urges the FBOs and consumers not to panic and ensure proper handling and cooking of poultry meat and eggs for its safe consumption as outlined in this guidance document.
For more information please visit FSSAI website (www.fssai.gov.in).
