WHO says it’s safe
‘Should we say No to chicken and eggs?’ That’s what every fan of non-vegetarian food is asking, following reports of bird flu from some parts of the country. Here’s a look at the situation
The popular jingle from the ’80s — ‘Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao ande’ (Whether it’s Sunday or Monday, eat eggs daily) instantly struck a chord with middle-class families that aspired to eat healthy. And the association of eggs with good health has continued. But the outbreak of bird flu has once again set non-vegetarians wondering if it’s safe to eat poultry and related produce.
COOK IT OUT
Avian influenza is not transmitted through cooked food. To date, no evidence indicates that anyone has become infected following the consumption of properly cooked poultry or poultry products, according to World Health
Organisation.
But owing to the pandemic, people have become quite cautious with regard to many things, especially food.
“Chicken is such a staple in our food,” says Chef Manu Chandra. “Many dieticians recommend it. Many people prefer it to red meats. And eggs are a great source of protein. Even natu kodi (country chicken, as opposed to broiler) is a must-have part of our diet.” However, “Because of the bird flu scare, even though no case of the disease has been registered in our state, people have already stopped consuming chicken,” notes Ankit Sondhi, Founder of Manger by Ankit. “One must realise that this isn’t the first time that there has been an outbreak of this kind,” he points out.
“Scientifically, eggs or chicken which is thoroughly
washed and cooked is safe to eat and does not act as a carrier of the virus,” says chef-turned-restaurateur Shankar Krishnamurthy. “Buy from reputed vendors where best processes are always followed,” is his advice. Ankit agrees with Shankar’s assessment of the risk.
“Our local cuisines don’t really permit the flu to infect human beings, as the virus is destroyed by heat. Anything from a Chicken Curry or a Biryani or even a Tandoori Chicken is totally safe to have, as it’s all cooked at temperatures which totally kill the virus,” he says. Pointing out that things have changed in the last few years, with the launch of many retail brands and the transition in purchasing from local markets to home delivery,” Ankit feels “With chicken being processed under the best conditions and all the prescribed precautions being followed, we need not worry much about the outbreak of bird flu.” But he warns that basic norms like washing the chicken, keeping hands clean and avoiding facial contact with the produce or hands after touching the produce, are essential.
UP THE HEAT
Though heat above a certain temperature kills the virus, several health experts have cautioned that microwave rays are not sufficient to do this. “Cook it through and not in the microwave,” says food connoisseur and celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani.
“Cook thoroughly. Cook chicken until the juices run clear, and it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 F (740 C). All our gravies, curries and stews are cooked for a long time, which actually kills all bacteria,” he stresses. However, he says, “steer clear of raw eggs. Because eggshells are often contaminated with bird droppings, avoid foods containing raw or undercooked eggs.”
To prevent cross-contamination, Vicky recommends using hot soapy water to wash cutting boards, utensils and all surfaces that have come into contact with raw poultry meat.
TAKE MEDICAL ADVICE
“Bird flu is the name given to a viral respiratory illness in aquatic birds like geese. It can also manifest as an Influenza-like illness in domestic fowl. Transmission of the virus to humans is extremely rare. It happens only in close proximity to poultry birds and bird faeces. Transmission is also possible (though unlikely) through eating uncooked meat and blood of chickens. If you have been near or have come into contact with dead poultry or faeces of birds, consult your doctor. You may be prescribed an antiviral chemoprophylaxis as warranted,” says Dr Pavan Gorukanti, Pulmonary, Critical Care (ABIM), Director, Yashoda Hospital.