Bird Flu : Is Chicken Safe to Eat?

Poultry sales have fallen right across Europe in recent weeks, as consumers worry that they might be eating birds infected with the avian influenza. Government bodies in many countries have issued advice on poultry consumption and the general message appears to be that if properly cooked there is no danger of contracting bird flu from poultry.

Widespread public concern has not abated and governments probably need to do more to alleviate public concerns or the consequence on the world poultry industry will be devastating. A recent poll found that 47% of American's (42% college graduates) believed that the was possible to contract bird flu from eating infected chicken.

There have been no known cases of bird flu passing to humans via eating infected birds, although there is a very small risk that this is theoretically possible.

"There is no scientific evidence of this virus being transmitted through the food supply to humans", Lyle Vogel - Director American Veterinary Medical Association.

Experts in the World Health Organization advise the public to cook chicken to at least 70 degrees Centigrade. This will kill all bugs in the chicken, including the more likely transmitted salmonella.