UPDATE. POSTED 9:30 MONDAY:
(SRN NEWS/AP) – The President of the Gainesville-based Georgia Poultry Federation, says the organization is cooperating with state and federal officials in response to the first discovery of bird flu in a commercial flock of poultry in Georgia.
Mike Giles said there are already testing processes in place to make sure all chicken products sold for consumption are safe to eat, local outlets reported.
“That approach to protecting the safety of poultry products produced in Georgia will continue throughout this response and beyond” Giles said.
The federation represents poultry producers in the state.
EARLIER STORY. POSTED SUNDAY NIGHT:
Following last week’s detection of Bird Flu (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in northeast Georgia, state Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper is trying to reassure Georgians that poultry products available for retail sale in Georgia are safe and wholesome.
“Every Georgian can and should have 100% confidence in the safety and security of poultry products offered for sale in the state of Georgia,” Tyler Perry said. “The recent detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry flock in Elbert County will not impact Georgians ability to purchase poultry products like meat or eggs at the local grocery store or restaurant nor will it impact retailers’ ability to offer these products for sale. Georgia and USDA have rigorous meat inspection standards to ensure the safety of our food supply, and no infected birds have entered the food supply chain.”
According to USDA, bird flu does not pose a significant threat to the safety of Georgia’s food supply, and the risk of an infected bird entering the food supply chain is low. Poultry and Eggs that are properly prepared and cooked are safe to eat. Additional information on HPAI-related food safety concerns is available here.
EARLIER STORY. POSTED FRIDAY: Bird flu found in NE Ga. poultry flock
EARLIER STORY. POSTED EARLY SUNDAY: Despite latest Bird Flu discovery in Ga., poultry convention will proceed