If you are concerned about Avian Influenza or bird flu and how safe it is to eat poultry, the University of Florida released some information that might be of interest to you.
Avian Influenza or bird flu is not transmitted through cooked food. Properly cooked poultry or poultry products, even when these foods were contaminated with the virus are safe to eat. The virus is killed with the heat. Cooking poultry at 165 degrees (74 degrees Centigrade) for fifteen seconds in all parts of the food will kill the virus. During preparation, persons handling poultry should wash their hands and clean and sanitize surfaces with a bleach water solution that had contact with the raw products.
It is safe to eat poultry as long as proper food handling procedures are followed.
If you want more information on Avian Influenza you can contact the following agencies:
Source: University of Florida IFAS Extension - Family Youth and Community Sciences
Agriculture
