Handling chicken wisely Britain enjoys the safest, most wholesome supply of fresh chicken available anywhere in the world. But chicken is an animal agricultural product and, like all such products, it can carry micro-organisms, most of which are harmless.

If the product isn't handled properly, some micro-organisms could cause foodborne illness. To eliminate risk and maintain chicken at peak quality, heed safe food handling messages on fresh chicken packages and the following:

1. refrigerate raw chicken promptly after delivery
2. freeze uncooked chicken if it won't be used within two days
3. defrost frozen chicken in the refrigerator, not on the countertop
4. don't leave chicken at room temperature for more than two hours
5. never leave cooked chicken at room temperature
6. wash hands, countertops, cutting boards, knives, and other utensils used in preparing raw chicken before they come in contact with other raw or especially cooked foods
7. cook chicken thoroughly or until meat thermometer registers 82°c for a whole bird or 77°c for portions.

Storage

Healthful Chicken Cooking Tips

It is advisable to unwrap all chicken from original packaging, wrap either in heavy-duty plastic cling-film or cover with foil for short-term storage in the refrigerator. Poly bags or cling-film is also safe for freezing up to two months.

For ease in separating frozen parts, before freezing, remove chicken from original packaging, rinse, and pat dry. Wrap individual parts or portions in cling-film or freezer quality plastic bags. Freeze and store in plastic bags until needed.

• Remove chicken skin before or after cooking to reduce calories and fat.
• Roast or grill on a rack to allow fat to drip off during cooking.
• Trim visible fatty deposits from chicken before cooking.
• When roasting or grilling, baste chicken with defatted chicken broth, wine, or citrus juice instead of butter or oil. Replace oil in marinades with fresh lemon juice, lime juice, wine, or flavoured vinegar.
• Use a non-stick frying pan sprayed with vegetable cooking spray when sautéing or browning chicken.