Should food preparers alter cooking methods to decrease the risk of spreading a flu virus?

No, the flu is not transmitted by food.  It is not necessary to alter cooking times or temperatures for any food product to reduce chances of contracting a flu virus, because eating food is not a known method of transmission of influenza viruses. 

Last Reviewed: 09/09/2011

• Could a sick restaurant or retail worker, or other food handler, transmit flu virus to customers in a restaurant, supermarket, or other food-service venue?
• Should people working in food processing, handling, or serving facilities wear face masks or N95 respirators to prevent the spread of flu?
• Should food employees with the flu, or those who have family members who have the flu, be permitted to work?
• If a person working in a food processing, handling, or serving facility has the flu, is any special cleaning of the facility required?

• Food & Water
  • Food Safety & Supply
    • Food Handlers