Bird Flu outbreak: Govt issues dos and don'ts

January 21, 2021 21:23

In view of the bird flu scare, regulator FSSAI on Thursday advised people not to eat half-boiled eggs and undercooked chicken, and ensure proper cooking of poultry meat as it came out with a detailed set of guidelines.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has also urged consumers and food businesses "not to panic" and ensure proper handling and cooking of poultry meat and eggs for safe consumption as outlined in the guidance document.

Outbreak of bird flu or avian influenza has been confirmed in 'poultry birds' in six states -- Kerala, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Punjab. In India, bird flu is spread mainly by migratory birds coming into the country during winter months between September and March.

In a statement, the FSSAI said it has issued the guidance document titled 'Safe handling, processing and consumption of poultry meat and eggs during bird flu outbreak' suggesting precautions to be taken at retail meat shops, and by consumers and those hanlding/ processing poultry meat.

According to the regulator, bird flu is an infection caused by avian influenza viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chicken and ducks, very sick and kill them.

Further, the regulator advised consumers not to purchase eggs/ poultry meat sourced from bird flu infected areas and avoid going to open markets that sell poultry in infected areas. For retail shops, the FSSAI asked them not to bring any live or slaughtered/ dead poultry birds from the avian influenza outbreak areas and also not allow it to enter into the food chain.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

IPL PIX: Clinical KKR outclass MI; inch closer to play-offs!

Kolkata Knight Riders outclassed Mumbai Indians by 24 runs in the IPL 2024 match on Friday.

Canadian police arrest 3 suspects in Nijjar murder case: Media report

Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of Sikh activist Nijjar, CTV News quoted a senior government source as saying.

Rohith Vemula not a Dalit, he ended life because....: Police closure report

The Cyberabad police that investigated the case informed the court that Rohith Vemula did not belong to Scheduled Caste and that he was aware of it.

Kin seek CBI probe into death of Salman home shooting accused

He had allegedly hanged himself with a bed sheet in the toilet of the lock-up, as per the police.

7 Adani group firms have received Sebi show cause notices

Seven out of the 10 listed firms of Adani group have received show cause notices from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for alleged violation of related party transactions and non-compliance with listing regulations, the...