Can I get avian flu from eating cooked chicken, turkey or duck?
No. Avian flu cannot be contracted by eating cooked poultry.[4] Can I get avian flu from eating cooked eggs? No. Avian flu cannot be contracted from eating cooked eggs.[5] Am I at risk when I prepare poultry or eggs? No. Avian flu cannot be contracted if you practice safe food handling when preparing poultry and eggs. Here are guidelines recommended by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)[6] to use at home: • Wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw poultry and eggs. • Wash countertops, knives, cutting boards, and other utensils with hot soapy water between preparation of poultry and other food (like vegetables). • Follow recommended cooking times and temperatures for poultry and eggs. Poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees. Cook eggs until egg yolk and egg white are firm, scrambled eggs should not be runny. Casseroles and other dishes containing eggs should be cooked to 160 degrees.
