When is the last time you had chicken? Chances are, it wasn’t very long ago! According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), chicken is now the number one species consumed by Americans. Since chicken is so popular, I wanted to share a fun little chicken genealogy fact I ran across the other day. Did you know that chickens are descendents of the Southeast Asian red jungle fowl, which was first domesticated in India around 2000 B.C.?
Now, back to the present! Each year, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline receives thousands of calls regarding the safe handling and cooking of chicken. Read on to find answers to some of the Hotline’s most commonly asked questions.
Is chicken inspected?
All chicken found in retail stores has been inspected by USDA or by state systems. Every chicken and its internal organs are inspected for signs of disease. The “Inspected for wholesomeness by the U.S. Department of Agriculture” seal indicates this.
How is chicken dated?
Many stores voluntarily date chicken even though it is not required by Federal regulations. If a date is shown, next to it there must be a phrase explaining the meaning of the date such as use before or sell by. The use-by date is for quality assurance. After that date, quality begins to diminish but it may still be used. It is recommended to buy a product before the date expires. If a use-by date expires when the chicken is frozen, it can still be used.
Are additives allowed?
Additives are not allowed on fresh chicken. But, if the chicken is processed, additives such as MSG, salt, or sodium erythorbate may be added. This must be listed on the label.
Do I need to rinse raw chicken?
No, this is not necessary, as any bacteria which may be present are destroyed by cooking.
How do I handle chicken safely?
Chicken should feel cold to the touch when purchased. Once you get home, immediately put chicken in a refrigerator that maintains 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and use within 1 or 2 days, or freeze at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I safely defrost chicken?
There are three recommended ways to defrost chicken: in the microwave, in cold water, and in the refrigerator. Do not defrost it on the counter.
What is a safe cooking temperature?
Cook whole chicken to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Farenheit. Use a food thermometer to measure.
I hope this has helped to answer any questions you may have had about safe handling and preparation. I don’t know about you, but all of this talk about chicken has made me hungry for it! If you’re looking for a new way to prepare chicken, try one of these healthy recipes:
Recipe: Super-Crunchy Chicken Strips
Recipe: Smoky Almond Chicken
Recipe: Layered Mexican Chicken
Do you have a great recipe for chicken? I’d love to hear about it – leave a comment below!
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