Avian influenza (bird flu) is not a food safety concern and it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked chicken meat, eggs and egg products.
Our usual food safety advice remains to not eat cracked or dirty eggs, avoid eating raw egg, and to cook poultry thoroughly. If you have backyard chickens please review our guidance and follow the egg safety tips.
Avian influenza can also be found in raw milk, but is killed if the milk is heated to a specific temperature for a set period of time. In Victoria it is illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption.
Safe Food Victoria closely monitors avian influenza developments in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria, as well as any food safety implications for Victorians.
More guidance and resources
Food safety
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has issued a media statement on avian influenza and food safety.
Latest advice from Agriculture Victoria
Agriculture Victoria has issued advice about H5N1 bird flu including information for backyard poultry owners.
Latest advice from the Australian Centre for Disease Control
The Australian Centre for Disease Control has issued advice about the detection of bird flu in Australia.
World Health Organisation
The International Food Safety Authorities Network of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an information note which includes advice about food safety, handling and consumption of poultry products.
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