'Eat chicken, there's no need to panic,' is the advice Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss gave late on Sunday night as he maintained that the situation following the outbreak of bird flu in Navapur, Maharashtra, was totally under control.

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"People need not panic. It is safe to eat a chicken after heating it for 20 minutes or 70 degree centigrade," Ramadoss said.

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But the poultry industry is already bracing for a hit as it fears consumers may swear off chicken and eggs despite the government's assurances. Not just neighbouring nations, even other states have barred poultry from Maharashtra in the wake of the outbreak.

Will the disease affect your food habits? Will you stay off chicken and eggs too? Or, do you think it is safe to eat chicken and eggs? Tell us!