Cooked eggs are safe despite bird flu outbreaks

Bird flu has caused the death of millions of laying hens, leading to record-high egg prices in the U.S. To manage costs, the country has increased imports of Brazilian eggs. Avian influenza has also infected some humans, raising concerns about food safety, particularly regarding eggs. Experts, including Lawrence Goodridge from the University of Guelph, state that eating eggs is safe. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) agrees, noting there is no evidence that cooked poultry or eggs can spread the virus to humans. A past assessment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found the risk of human infection from contaminated eggs to be low. Goodridge explains that rapid symptom onset and strict flock testing help keep contaminated eggs from entering the food supply. He warns, however, that the main concern with avian flu is its potential to infect humans. The virus has been found in various animal species, increasing the chances of mutation. In Canada, the CFIA routinely tests both pasteurized and raw milk for safety, with all recent samples returning negative for the bird flu virus. Pasteurization effectively inactivates influenza viruses, making pasteurized milk safe to drink. Cooking eggs thoroughly is crucial; Goodridge emphasizes that while the risk of bird flu from eggs is low, consuming raw products like unpasteurized milk or runny eggs can expose people to other pathogens like salmonella. The safety of runny eggs remains the same as before the outbreak. Goodridge advises against consuming undercooked eggs, as they may carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning. He encourages everyone to follow food safety practices, including cooking eggs properly and using pasteurized milk. Goodridge reassures that the Canadian food supply is safe, noting that when poultry flocks test positive for H5N1, they are culled to prevent contamination. He also highlights concerns about weakened safety measures in the U.S. that could affect food safety in Canada. Overall, experts stress the importance of robust surveillance programs to ensure food safety.