Safety & Handling Tips for Chicken Meat

Chicken is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. However, it is important to handle and cook chicken safely to prevent food poisoning.
Here are four simple tips to help you keep chicken safe:

Clean

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling chicken. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Also, clean all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw chicken. Use hot, soapy water to wash cutting boards, countertops, and dishes.

Separate

Do not cross-contaminate other foods by keeping raw chicken separate from cooked foods, ready-to-eat foods, and produce. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for raw chicken and other foods.
Also, store raw chicken in the bottom of the refrigerator, where it is the coldest.

Cook

Cook chicken thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of chicken.
Do not eat chicken that is undercooked or has pink or bloody juices.

Chill

Refrigerate or freeze chicken promptly after purchase. Raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep chicken safe and prevent food poisoning.

Here are some additional tips for handling chicken safely:

Do not wash raw chicken. Washing chicken can spread bacteria around your kitchen.
Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, not on the countertop.
Do not reuse marinade that has been used on raw chicken.
Cook chicken until it is cooked through, even if it is cooked in a slow cooker.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your family safe from food poisoning.