“Enjoy This Egg Dish Before It’s Too Late!”
Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue from some items mentioned. According to the National Institutes of Health, avian influenza A virus, commonly known as bird flu, has become widespread among wild birds globally. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that over 18 million birds in the country have been affected by this virus. While bird flu was previously thought to primarily spread among birds and poultry, a specific subtype known as the H5N1 virus has crossed over to infect mammals, including cows, and in rare cases, humans. As of January 30, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control has confirmed 67 cases of bird flu in humans in the U.S., resulting in one death since March 2024. The CDC has assessed the risk to the general public as low. While the transmission of bird flu to humans is rare in the U.S., individuals who have contracted the virus had direct contact with infected birds or poultry. Symptoms in humans may include pink eye, sore throat, fever, cough, and muscle aches. Despite the low risk to the general population, the impact of bird flu is evident, particularly in the food industry. For example, if a farm’s poultry is infected, all birds in the flock must be culled, leading to a significant increase in egg prices. Can bird flu be transmitted through consuming eggs? Experts reassure that the risk of contracting the H5N1 virus from eggs is minimal to none when eggs are safely stored and cooked. The USDA closely monitors poultry and egg production facilities, reducing the likelihood of bird flu contamination in stores. However, it is advisable to take precautions when handling and consuming eggs. Recognizing the signs of bird flu in eggs is essential. Infected chickens exhibit clear symptoms such as diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and reduced egg production. Eggs laid by infected chickens may be undersized with abnormal shells. Eggs showing any signs of irregularities should be discarded. Unpasteurized eggs should be avoided, as pasteurization can effectively eliminate pathogens by heating eggs to a specific temperature.
To ensure the safety of your eggs and prevent any potential risks, it is crucial to be mindful of certain practices. When purchasing eggs, it is advised to buy them from refrigerated displays and avoid cartons with cracked eggs. Dr. Gregory D. Weston, an expert in infectious diseases, emphasizes the importance of choosing pasteurized eggs in good condition to minimize any bird flu contamination. It is recommended to store eggs in the refrigerator at home and consume them within three weeks or before the expiration date to maintain freshness.
Not all egg preparations are considered safe. Dr. Yoshua Quinones highlights the necessity of avoiding raw eggs and opting for fully cooked eggs with firm yolks and whites. Runny eggs, such as those in eggs Benedict, should be avoided, while scrambled eggs should be cooked thoroughly until fluffy. For dishes containing eggs, the internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are safe to eat.
Proper hygiene practices when handling eggs are essential. Dr. Quinones emphasizes the significance of washing hands after touching eggs and cleaning eggs before cracking them open. Effective handwashing involves scrubbing for at least 20 seconds using hot, soapy water, ensuring to clean fingers and fingertips thoroughly. It is suggested to time handwashing by singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice for thoroughness.
When cooking eggs, it is important to maintain cleanliness by washing utensils, cooking equipment, and surfaces that come in contact with eggs with hot, soapy water. Additionally, preventive measures such as avoiding contact with wild or sick birds, washing hands after touching animals or potentially contaminated surfaces, and wearing protective gear when handling birds are recommended to reduce the risk of bird flu transmission. It is also advisable to refrain from visiting petting zoos or farms with high bird populations, especially when accompanied by children.
While there is no need for alarm, exercising caution and using common sense in handling and cooking eggs is always prudent. By following these guidelines and adopting smart preventative steps, individuals can reduce the likelihood of foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of their meals.
