Don't risk your family's health by neglecting these critical poultry safety tips! We'll also show you how to store your chicken so it's fresh and tasty when you're ready to enjoy it. 

When You Shop

• Always purchase chicken before the expiration date
• Avoid packages that are damaged, leaking, or coated with frost
• Bag chicken separately from other groceries
• Get chicken home promptly, and refrigerate immediately in its original package
• Double-wrapped chicken (the original package inside a freezer-type storage bag) may be frozen up to nine months

When You Cook

• Prepare refrigerated chicken within one to two days of purchase
• Defrost frozen chicken in the refrigerator -- never on the counter!
• Marinated chicken can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours; discard marinade before cooking chicken
• Never place vegetables or other foods on a board or plate that held raw chicken
• Wash hands and utensils frequently to prevent spreading bacteria from raw or undercooked chicken
• Cook chicken to at least 165 degrees F; use a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours (one hour in temperatures above 90 degrees F)