NCC argues that US chicken is safe

02-12-2009 | |

In response to a Consumer Reports article, the National Chicken Council has argued that the report’s findings are not factual.

“Chicken is safe. Like all fresh foods, raw chicken may have some microorganisms present, but these are destroyed by the heat of normal cooking. Consumers are encouraged to follow the safe handling and cooking instructions printed on every package of fresh meat and poultry sold in this country,” said a statement on the National Chicken Council’s website.

“A much more comprehensive survey by the US Department of Agriculture found Salmonella and Campylobacter on fewer raw chickens than Consumer Reports. More important is the fact that USDA found that the levels of microorganisms present are usually very low. Consumer Reports failed to perform this analysis. The USDA survey also showed that poultry processing greatly improves the microbiological profile of raw chickens. In fact, the industry does an excellent job in providing safe, wholesome food to American consumers,” it added.

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Kinsley
Natalie Kinsley Freelance journalist