You can’t see, smell, or taste harmful bacteria that may cause illness. Cold temperatures limit their growth and thorough cooking destroys them.
❁ Eat or refrigerate pre-cooked chicken within 2 hours of purchase.
❁ Keep raw chicken cold from store or market to home; add to your cart just before check-out.
❁ Keep raw chicken away from other food, especially raw fruits and vegetables.
❁ Thaw in the refrigerator; use a container to catch any liquids. To thaw faster, cover package with cold water or microwave on defrost; cook immediately.
❁ Do not wash chicken; it can spread bacteria to all surfaces the water touches.
❁ Use hot soapy water to wash hands and all surfaces and utensils that touch raw chicken.
❁ Cook chicken thoroughly. It should reach at least 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
❁ The cooked meat of frozen chicken can sometimes appear dark near the bone. It is safe to eat.
