USDA to test ground beef in states with avian flu outbreaks in dairy cows

On Monday, the U.S. government said it is analyzing ground beef samples from retail establishments in areas with avian flu outbreaks in dairy cows but is certain the meat supply is safe.

The USDA announced three beef safety studies on Monday. The EPA is evaluating grocery store ground beef from states with H5N1-positive dairy cattle.  It is also sampling muscle tissue from unhealthy cows culled from their herd.

The CDC and WHO say the overall public health risk is modest, but animal exposure increases it.

The USDA inspects all animals before slaughter and all cattle carcasses after slaughter before they can be eaten.

The USDA is testing beef with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a sensitive scientific technique that can detect even inactive viral genetic material.  USDA said positive samples will be tested for live virus.

“We recommend consumers properly handle raw meats and cook to a safe internal temperature,” which kills bacteria and viruses in meat, the agency said.