Bird flu food safety

Because of the recent outbreak of bird flu (also know as avian flu) you may feel unsure about whether to continue eating poultry and poultry products, such as eggs.

During an outbreak of bird flu you can still eat all types of poultry - chicken, duck, turkey and geese - and poultry products, provided you cook them properly.

Bird flu can not be transmitted to humans through eating food. It can only be passed on through close or direct contact with infected birds via their droppings.

So in short, there is no risk to you or your family's health from eating properly cooked poultry and poultry products. Cooking these food items thoroughly will kill all bacteria and viruses.

Cooking advice

It's important to always practise good hygiene when cooking poultry or meat.

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling any poultry or meat, and use different utensils for cooked and raw products.

Make sure that the poultry is thoroughly cooked and piping hot before serving. The poultry should be cooked to the point where the juices run clear, and there are no red parts remaining.

If you have any leftover poultry that you want to eat another day, let it cool down before putting it in the fridge. Always use the leftovers within a couple of days of it being cooked.

If you decide to reheat the poultry, check it is piping hot in the middle, and never reheat it more than once.

Avoid eating raw eggs. Eggs should be cooked until the whites and yolk are solid.
Cooking times

If you're cooking a whole bird, such as a turkey, preheat your oven to 180C (350F, Gas Mark 4). As a general guide the cooking times are as follows:

• Allow 45 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes for a turkey under 4.5kg.


• Allow 40 minutes per kg for a turkey weighing between 4.5kg and 6.5kg.


• Allow 35 minutes per kg for a turkey over 6.5kg.

Some oven types may cook the turkey more quickly so check the manufacturers handbook if you can.

Again, make sure you pierce the thickest part of the bird to check for any red meat. If this is the case allow for additional cooking time. Always make sure the juices run clear before you serve.
Vaccinated birds

Because of the presence of bird flu some poultry farmers may be vaccinating their birds. This is perfectly normal and you are able to eat vaccinated poultry safely. The vaccines given to the birds, to protect them against bird flu, don't pose any risk to your health. Simply follow all the same hygiene and cooking practices as mentioned above.

Source: NHS Direct