As the bird flu continues to impact food production, especially eggs, you might be wondering what other foods could be affected and which ones are still safe to eat. With prices on the rise, especially for eggs, it's good to know what to avoid and what’s still safe to stock up on. Experts have shared their thoughts, and here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
While pasteurized dairy products are perfectly safe, raw milk is a different story. Even without bird flu, raw milk carries serious risks, including bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. During a bird flu outbreak, raw milk could potentially carry the virus since it has been found in infected dairy cattle.
In fact, some raw milk products have already been recalled after the virus was detected. Experts strongly advise against consuming raw milk right now. The pasteurization process is key to killing harmful bacteria and viruses, including bird flu. So, stick to pasteurized milk and dairy to stay safe.
While cooked chicken is perfectly safe for humans, raw chicken used in pet food could be a potential risk. The FDA issued a recall for raw chicken cat food in March 2025 due to potential bird flu contamination. Although no human infections have been reported, the virus could still spread if pet owners aren’t careful when handling these products.
If you have pet food with raw chicken, be extra cautious. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the food, and avoid touching your face to minimize the risk of exposure. Watch out for any flu-like symptoms in your pets, too.
Good news—cooked chicken is completely safe during a bird flu outbreak. As long as you’re cooking your chicken to the proper temperature (at least 165°F), there’s no need to worry about the virus. Cooking kills harmful bacteria and viruses, including bird flu, so cooked chicken won’t pose a risk to your health.
Just remember, the issue lies with raw chicken, not cooked products. So, whether it's chicken breasts, thighs, or even a roast chicken, you’re in the clear as long as you cook it through.
Eggs are another food that often raises questions during bird flu outbreaks. The good news is that cooked eggs are completely safe. Even if you prefer your eggs on the runny side (like sunny-side-up or poached), there’s no added risk of bird flu exposure, according to experts.
Since the virus kills infected birds quickly, farms are quick to identify and destroy any infected eggs before they even reach the market. The oversight in poultry farms means that the eggs we buy are highly unlikely to be contaminated.
You can also feel confident about eating beef during the bird flu outbreak. Though the CDC reported that the virus has been found in dairy cattle, beef cattle have not been shown to carry bird flu. As of now, the virus hasn’t been detected in beef cattle, so raw beef isn’t a concern for bird flu contamination.
However, raw beef does come with its own risks, like bacteria and parasites. Experts recommend cooking beef to an internal temperature of at least 160°F to avoid foodborne illnesses, but bird flu isn’t one of the concerns right now.
If you shop at local farmers' markets, just be cautious. While the oversight isn’t as strict as major farms and grocery stores, most animal products are still safe as long as you clean and cook them properly. The main thing to watch out for is raw, unpasteurized milk, which can carry bird flu and other harmful bacteria.
If you’re picking up eggs or meat from local vendors, make sure to cook everything according to food safety standards. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially with a virus like bird flu in the mix.
While bird flu has certainly affected some food products, most items you buy at the store are still perfectly safe to eat. The key is to stick with cooked meats, pasteurized dairy, and always be cautious with raw products—especially when it comes to pet food or unpasteurized milk. By following these safety tips, you can still shop with confidence during the outbreak.
Stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and don’t panic—most foods are still safe to enjoy!