I've always been CRAZY paranoid when it comes to handling raw chicken but apparently not paranoid enough. Consumer Reports researchers recently found that 97 percent of the raw chicken in this country is filled with harmful bacteria. That's right, 97 percent, which is, like, ALL of it! With Nochebuena just a few days away, I'm stressed to the max. Maybe I'll just stick with pernil!
Readmore ¿Qué más?: Recall Alert! Ground beef tainted with salmonella found in multiple states
The magazine's director of consumer safety and sustainability, Urvashi Rangan, told CBS This Morning that researchers went to 26 different states and bought 316 raw chicken breasts to test. They tested the chicken for six potentially harmful bacteria. "We did find 97 of one of the six bacteria that we look for," Rangan shared. And if you're not freaked out enough, they also discovered that some of the bacteria was resistant "to three or more antibiotic classes, making them multiple-drug resistant." That's SO scary!
I've always had my worries about chicken. And now I know why: Rangan claims that when it comes to food-borne illness "chicken is a big culprit." So should we just all do away with chicken for good? Not necessarily. The key to handling raw chicken is to use safe, hygienic practices.
First thing first, Rangan says you should ALWAYS make sure that your chicken comes properly packaged in a sealed plastic bag. And don't think that buying organic is going to make much of a difference either. "Things like organic, other welfare labels do provide value, but what people don't really realize is that the natural label actually means nothing," she said.
"You want to use really careful practices in the kitchen. You don't want to put your chicken in the sink and pour (water from) the faucet on it. You want to use a dedicated cutting board and put that right in the dishwasher after cutting chicken on it," she added. And don't just assume your chicken is well cooked. Rangan stressed to use a meat thermometer to be sure.
Truth is, as frantic as this has me, I can't actually see myself skipping out on chicken. I'm putting these tips into practice–starting NOW!
Image via Getty Images
