<p>A Malaysian consumes an average of an egg daily.</p>
The shortage of eggs in stores is because the country has been hit hard by the H5N1 and H7N6 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (South African Poultry Industry).
These HPAI outbreaks have been identified in 11 locations across Mpumalanga. Various rumours about what the consumption of infected eggs will mean to us and human health are circulating.
According to a media statement released by the South African Poultry Industry on Monday October 9, all affected farms have immediately been placed under quarantine since the outbreak, and no live chickens and eggs are allowed to be removed from these farms.
“Chickens infected with HPAI get sick fairly quickly and die. Generally, the first signs of sick animals include a drop in production, meaning that sick chickens will produce very few, if any, eggs. This together with the added mitigation of placing farms under quarantine means no eggs from these infected farms will make their way onto the shelves.”
It is important to know what the facts are regarding the current avian flu outbreak:
Myth: Avoid eating eggs during the avian flu outbreak
Fact: The avian flu outbreak understandably creates concerns among consumers about the safety of eating eggs at this time. It’s good to know that egg-loving South Africans can rest assured that eating properly cooked eggs (and chicken, too) does not pose a risk of infecting humans with the avian flu. This is because heat effectively destroys this virus. Added to this, we know that since this virus has been in South Africa, there are no reported cases of the spread of this virus from chicken meat or eggs to humans.
“Of course, eating raw eggs may put you at risk of foodborne illness. This is why it is important to always cook your eggs properly before eating. Cooking can even improve the absorption of some nutrients in the egg, like protein, which is important for immunity and muscle-building,” the South African Poultry Industry wrote in the statement.
Myth: The eggs on our supermarkets’ and grocers’ shelves are not safe to eat.
Fact: Consumers can also rest assured that any eggs and poultry they may find at their local grocers are safe to eat. There are many strict guidelines for safety measures in an outbreak like this. We can rest assured that the eggs we are sold are safe to eat. In fact, avoiding eggs can do more harm than good for our health, as eggs are a cost-effective and nutritious food for any time of the day.
“The truth is that eggs have great nutritional benefits to our diets, and these exaggerated claims to avoid eating eggs can do more harm than good for our nation’s health. Eggs pack a nutrient punch – from protein to 13 important nutrients to heart-healthy fats – making them a great choice for all ages.
And in tough economic times, eggs generally remain a budget-friendly protein choice for South Africans. Traditionally, eggs have a firm place on the breakfast table, but they can be a convenient, cost-effective and nutritious food for any time of the day. Think boiled eggs on toast or crackers as a snack, or a quick-and-easy omelette at lunchtime.”
The South African Poultry Industry confirmed there is no reason to be concerned for your own safety.
