Avian Influenza

Protecting Human Health

Avian influenza is not a foodborne disease. Avian influenza has never been passed on to humans as the result of eating properly cooked poultry meat, and the proper cooking temperature eliminate's most bacterial risks.

Can I Still Eat Poultry?

Yes- both Health Canada and the World Health Organization say that you can safely eat properly cooked poultry. Cooked poultry does not transmit the avian flu. An internal temperature of 77-80C (or 170-176F) is enough to fully cook your meat. If the virus were present on the poultry meat, which is very unlikely, it would be destroyed during the cooking process.

Procedures For Restaurants

Chicken remains safe to eat, and Health Canada offers the following advice:

To limit potential risks, poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked to kill any possible viruses or bacteria. Proper safe food handling practices such as hand washing and keeping poultry and egg products separate from other food products to avoid cross contamination should be followed. This is consistent with the long standing advice from Health Canada and other health authorities through out the world.

Key Messages for Your Guests & Staff

Reinforce proper food handling (cleanliness and cooking temperature).
The food supply chain is safe.
The particular farm in Abbotsford is under quarantine.

Key Links & Information

Important Facts
Health Canada
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fact Sheet
Chicken Farmers of Canada