We’ve heard that rumors persist that you can contract the swine flu from eating pork. That’s not true, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. But it's important to cook pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, which kills any viruses or bacteria. Pork may carry the Salmonella bacteria, which causes food poisoning, or the Trichinella worm, which causes trichinosis.
Also, remember to wash your hands after handling raw pork to clean off any pathogens that might spread disease.
—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor
Follow our swine flu updates.
Posted by: Doyle Sanders | Oct 2, 2009 12:14:23 AM
I am appalled that an organization that supposedly is looking out for the "innocent" citizen uses the word "swine" in describing or for that matter in any way referring to the H1N1 flu virus. Most reputable organizations involved in communicating about the H1N1 virus have given up using the word "swine." Yet you have used it all over this website. The swine industry is suffering significantly from this misnomer, and Consumers Union should not be a part of the prolblem.
Posted by: jullfernam | Apr 29, 2009 8:50:46 AM
I have been checking on this swine flu tracking website http://www.swine-flu-tracker.com/ on and off for the last couple of days now and its kinda scary seeing how it this strain of flu is spreading.
Posted by: Mary Birch | Apr 28, 2009 5:45:45 PM
If people didn't eat pork, there would be no swine flu. Farmers wouldn't be interacting with pigs in a way that allowed the swine version of the flu virus to interact with humans. So, yes, eating pork does cause swine flu.
And it's the same with poultry.
You know how many people die a year from flu?