Can someone get swine flu from eating smoked pork or bacon?
There is no evidence that eating cooked pork, whether smoked, baked, grilled, boiled, pickled or fried, can infect someone with the swine flu virus. The United States Department of Agriculture says on the USDA Web site http://www.usda.gov that “Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food, so you cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees kills all viruses.” How do you prevent other food spoilage- or contaminated food-related illness, such as the flu-like symptoms from salmonella bacterial contamination of undercooked pork? Reames cited the USDA recommendations: “Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw pork. “Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw pork away from other foods; use a food thermometer to ensure pork has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 160 degrees to kill food
