Does proper food handling prevent avian influenza?
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is working to educate the public about safe food handling practices in response to numerous questions from the public about the human risk associated with avian influenzA. There is no evidence that LPAI can be transmitted to people by eating poultry. If HPAI were detected in the U.S., the chance of infected poultry entering the food chain would be extremely low. Proper handling and cooking of poultry provides protection against this virus, as it does against many viruses and bacteria, including Salmonella and E.coli. Safe food handling and preparation is important at all times. USDA continually reminds consumers to practice safe food handling and preparation every day: • Wash hands before and after handling food; • Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices away from other foods; • After cutting raw meats, wash hands, cutting board, knife, and counter tops with hot, soapy water; • Sanitize cutting
