Can you get bird flu from eating KFC?
Jul 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, eating KFC generally does not lead to bird flu infection, so there is no need for excessive concern. The bird flu virus is sensitive to heat and can be inactivated within minutes at temperatures above 70°C. KFC's chicken products undergo high-temperature processing methods such as frying and baking, ensuring that any potential bird flu virus present is effectively killed, thereby guaranteeing food safety.
Under normal circumstances, eating KFC will not lead to bird flu infection, and there is no need for excessive concern. The specific analysis is as follows:
The bird flu virus is heat-sensitive and can be inactivated within minutes at temperatures above 70°C. KFC's chicken products undergo high-temperature processing such as frying and baking, and the high temperatures involved in the processing are sufficient to kill any potential bird flu viruses, ensuring food safety. In addition, reputable food establishments like KFC have strict controls over raw material procurement, quarantine inspections, and production processes. The chicken used comes from healthy poultry flocks that have undergone quarantine, thereby reducing the risk of viral contamination at the source.
Human infection with bird flu mainly occurs through direct contact with infected birds and their secretions, excretions, or through contact with virus-contaminated environments. Transmission through thoroughly cooked poultry meat is extremely rare. Therefore, the risk of infection can be considered negligible as long as poultry meat products are thoroughly heated before consumption.
Maintaining good personal hygiene habits in daily life, such as frequent hand washing, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, can help prevent bird flu. For poultry products, ensuring they are fully cooked before consumption is recommended.
