Government sends out ads to ease bird flu worries

by 5m Editor
8 May 2006, at 12:00am

WASHINGTON - Hoping to prevent a scare over deadly bird flu, the government is distributing television and radio commercials assuring people that chicken is safe to eat. "Mmm, that chicken looks great. But what about bird flu?" a man asks in one of the ads. His wife says she read that bird flu is unlikely to reach people's dinner plates. "And even if it did, we have the power to ensure our chicken is safe," she says. An announcer lists four steps for food safety: Clean hands and cooking surfaces. Separate raw and cooked foods. Cook poultry to at least 165 degrees. Chill leftovers promptly. The Agriculture Department on Thursday began sending out a series of commercials, interview excerpts, video footage and photos to television and radio stations with the goal of easing people's minds and clearing up misconceptions about bird flu. Source: Chicago Defender

5m Editor