Brilio.net - The issue of bird flu is increasingly worrying. According to information from the World Health Organization or WHO, a human case of Avian Influenza Type A (H9N2) virus infection was detected in a child living in the state of West Bengal, India. Previously the child had a history of contact with poultry. Thankfully, he has now recovered and is allowed to go home.
You need to know, there are 4 types of influenza viruses, namely types A, B, C, and D. Influenza viruses A and B cause seasonal disease epidemics in humans. Based on current knowledge and understanding, only type A viruses can cause a global pandemic.
Exposure to bird flu viruses can cause infection and illness in humans, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms or eye inflammation to severe acute respiratory illness and death. The severity of the disease will depend on the virus causing the infection and the characteristics of the infected individual.
The thing you need to be careful about is when consuming poultry. In order to avoid various diseases, especially those that are currently widespread, such as bird flu, you must really pay attention to the choice of poultry meat. For example, with chicken, make sure you don't eat chicken that is infected with the disease.
For this reason, let's get to know the characteristics of chicken meat that is suitable for consumption, as reported by brilio.net from various sources, Friday (28/6).
1. Pay attention to color
Get to know the 8 characteristics of chicken meat that is suitable for consumption
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Healthy chickens have certain physical characteristics that can be identified by the color of their meat. Healthy chicken meat generally has a bright pink color. This pink color indicates that the chicken is probably getting a balanced diet and is not experiencing excessive stress.
You can recognize chicken that is not suitable for consumption by its color such as bluish or green. This color can be indicated as the color of chicken that has been exposed to bacteria.
Apart from that, pink chicken meat can indicate that the chicken is well looked after, including good management of the environment and animal welfare.
2. The aroma is not strong
Get to know the 8 characteristics of chicken meat that is suitable for consumption
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The aroma of fresh chicken meat should be neutral or even have a mild, attractive aroma. A mild aroma indicates that the chicken meat has not undergone a significant process of decay or bacterial contamination. This indicates that the chicken was processed and stored properly.
Avoid chicken that smells fishy, sour and rancid because this indicates that the chicken meat contains bacteria and parasites. You can confirm this by smelling it before buying chicken.
3. Look at the texture of the chicken meat
Get to know the 8 characteristics of chicken meat that is suitable for consumption
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Healthy chicken meat with a chewy texture shows that the chicken has good meat quality. A chewy texture usually indicates that the chicken meat is still fresh and has not experienced dryness or degradation. Avoid chicken that feels slippery or sticky because this is a sign that the meat has been contaminated with bacteria and fungi. Meat with these indications can be dangerous to health.
4. Always check the chicken's internal organs
Get to know the 8 characteristics of chicken meat that is suitable for consumption
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If you buy a whole chicken, you have to be observant to see the internal organs. Chicken internal organs that are strikingly colored, have an unpleasant odor and have an unusual texture can be an indicator of disease in the chicken. You have to be really careful in choosing chicken that is healthy for consumption and does not carry disease.
The dangers of consuming non-fresh chicken meat
Consuming chicken meat that is not fresh can have serious impacts on health. The reason is that chicken meat that is not fresh will become a nest for pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and Escherichia coli (E. coli). If you continue to consume it, it will worsen your health.
Some dangers that may arise when indicating that chicken meat is not fresh:
1. Disrupts the digestive system
Consuming meat contaminated with bacteria can cause bacterial infections and food poisoning.
2. Experience food toxins
Bacteria that grow on non-fresh chicken meat produce dangerous toxins. For example, the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ache.
3. Nutritional quality decreases
Chicken meat has important nutrients for the body. However, when chicken meat is no longer fresh and has been exposed to bacteria, it will cause the quality of important nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals to be compromised.