During an outbreak of bird flu, you can still eat all types of poultry (chicken, duck, turkey and goose) and poultry products. Simply make sure you cook them properly, as usual.
Bird flu cannot be passed to humans through eating poultry products. It can only be passed on through close or direct contact with infected birds, and contact with their droppings.
There is no risk to your own 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 practise good hygiene when cooking poultry or meat.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water before and after handling any poultry or meat. Use one set of utensils for raw meat, and another set for cooked.
Learn more about food hygiene.
Check that the poultry is thoroughly cooked and piping hot before you serve it. It should be cooked to the point where the juices run clear and there are no red parts left.
Don't eat raw eggs. Eggs must be cooked until the whites and yolk are solid.
Leftovers
If you have any leftover poultry that you want to eat another day, let it cool down before you put it in the fridge.
Always use the leftovers within two days of first cooking.
If you reheat the poultry, it must be piping hot in the middle. Never reheat it more than once.
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 kilogram plus an extra 20 minutes for a turkey under 4.5kg.
- Allow 40 minutes per kilogram for a turkey weighing between 4.5kg and 6.5kg.
- Allow 35 minutes per kilogram for a turkey over 6.5kg.
Some ovens may cook the turkey more quickly so check the manufacturer's handbook if you can.
Pierce the thickest part of the bird to check for any red meat. If any meat is still red, let it cook for longer. Always make sure the juices are clear before you serve it.
Vaccinated birds
During an outbreak of bird flu, some farmers may vaccinate their birds.
The vaccines are given to the birds to protect them against bird flu and don't pose a risk to human health. You can eat birds that have been vaccinated.
Simply follow all the usual hygiene and cooking practices.
