Introduction
The bird flu epidemic has been a major concern for many people, especially those who are concerned about the safety of their food. One of the biggest grocery meat companies in the world is now part of this epidemic, and it is important to know what to eat and what not to eat in order to stay safe. This article will provide information on the bird flu epidemic and how it affects this major grocery meat company, as well as provide tips on what to eat and what not to eat in order to stay safe.
This Major Grocery Meat Company Is Part Of A Huge Bird Flu Epidemic — Eat This Not That
A major grocery meat company is at the center of a huge bird flu epidemic that has been sweeping the nation. The company, which is one of the largest suppliers of poultry products in the United States, has been linked to the spread of the virus, which has caused the death of millions of birds across the country.
The bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious virus that can be spread from bird to bird, and from bird to humans. It is a serious public health concern, as it can cause severe respiratory illness and even death in humans. The virus is spread through contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces.
The grocery meat company in question has been identified as the source of the virus, and it is believed that the virus was spread through the company’s poultry products. The company has since taken steps to prevent further spread of the virus, including increased sanitation and testing of its products.
In light of this epidemic, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with consuming poultry products from this company. It is recommended that consumers avoid purchasing poultry products from this company, and instead opt for other sources of poultry products that have not been linked to the virus.
It is also important to practice good hygiene when handling poultry products, as this can help to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Consumers should always wash their hands thoroughly after handling poultry products, and should avoid contact with any birds or their droppings.
The bird flu epidemic is a serious public health concern, and it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family. By avoiding poultry products from this major grocery meat company, and practicing good hygiene when handling poultry products, you can help to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently confirmed that the bird flu has been detected in 17 million birds on farms across the U.S., threatening the supply.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not been detected in any humans yet, and the CDC says there is no immediate public health concern, but Jennie-O—a brand under the company Hormel Foods and sold in grocery stores around the U.S.—has had some of its flocks become infected. Farms in over 20 other states have also seen birds become sick, causing some countries to ban U.S. imports of avian products.
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The company says in a statement on its website that while the flu has been spreading to farms supplying it with turkeys and chickens since February, late March is the first time Jennie-O has had any confirmed cases. The current ones involve several farm operations in Minnesota.
“Jennie-O Turkey Store has been preparing for this situation and took extensive precautions to protect the health of the turkeys in its supply chain,” the company says. However, it does not go into detail about what these are.
The vast number of infections is not only threatening U.S. exports but will make eggs harder to harvest, Bloomberg reports. Packs of a dozen or two dozen could be scarce and/or more expensive ahead of the Easter holiday. It’s the first time that the bird flu has affected the supply this much since 2015, according to Grocery Dive, which says it also could cause prices to rise should it continue.
Do grocery shoppers need to be concerned?
The CDC says that the bird flu usually does not infect people, and for there to be a human infection a person would need to get bird saliva, mucous, or feces into their eyes, nose, mouth, or lungs, which is unlikely if you are handling meat purchased from a grocery store.
“This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it in, or possibly when a person touches something that has virus on it then touches their mouth, eyes or nose,” it says.
The most recent cases have been discovered in Russia in 2020 and China in 2021 and only involved a small number of people. Symptoms can include eye redness, mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms, pneumonia, fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and/or seizures. Yet, sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Should a person get it, it also can be spread to another via close contact.
“As a reminder, HPAI is not a food safety issue,” Jennie-O says in its most recent update on the issue.
One of the best ways to avoid getting sick from eating meat like turkey or chicken is to properly cook it. The CDC says that all poultry and eggs should be cooked to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bacteria and viruses. Additionally, if you handle the meat raw, handle it “hygienically”.
It also emphasizes that “there is no evidence that anyone has gotten bird flu after eating properly cooked poultry products, [or] uncooked poultry.”
This isn’t the only grocery item that is making headlines right now. Over 161,000 Pounds of This Beloved Peanut Butter Is Being Recalled.
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