Swine Flu – Is Pork Still Safe to Eat?
With cases of swine flu on the rise, you may be beginning to wonder if it’s still safe to include pork in your recipes.
Well, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), pork IS still safe to eat. On their website, they state that
Swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs.
They go on to add that – as always -pork must be cooked properly to avoid any risk.
The swine influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that – at this time – there is no evidence that swine in the US are infected with the virus and gives the same advice as the WHO – that swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food, but that it is important to only consume properly handled – and properly cooked – pork products.
(Please note, however, that many pork products such as ham and bacon are unsuitable for baby anyway, as they contain high levels of salt).
Despite the advice, you may still feel uncomfortable about including pork in your baby food recipes – and if that’s the case, then by all means omit it from his meals for now.
Category: Nutrition, Safety recalls and warnings
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