As Americans prepare to celebrate Memorial Day, anxiety hangs over some outdoor gatherings amidst fears of avian flu contaminating food supplies. While the U.S.

Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reassure the public that the risk is minimal, recent incidents have sparked worries among consumers. With reports about H5N1 bird flu affecting dairy cow herds and concerns raised by health officials and journalists, some consumers are expressing apprehension about the safety of beef and poultry products. However, both the USDA and CDC emphasize that there is an extremely low chance of beef and poultry being contaminated with bird flu, with no known instances of such contamination.

The situation has prompted public health officials, particularly in Michigan, to issue warnings against consuming raw or unpasteurized milk, as pasteurization remains an effective measure in killing the virus. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of dairy products, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

USDA Memorial Day food safety tips The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has presented tips to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses during outdoor festivities. With warmer temperatures creating favorable conditions for bacteria growth, proper food handling becomes essential for protecting your family and friends from foodborne illness. “The bacte.