In view of the Bird Flu Pandemic, the 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. The guidance note 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. 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.
Major Do’s and Don’ts suggested are
1. Do not eat half-boiled eggs
2. Do not eat undercooked chicken
3. Avoid direct contact with birds in the infected areas
4. Avoid touching dead birds with bare hands
5. Do not keep raw meat in open
6. No direct contact with raw meat
7. Use a mask and gloves at the time of handling raw chicken
8. Wash hands frequently
9. Maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings.
10. 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.
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.
