How to handle and cook poultry safely: Use these best practices in your home when handling, defrosting, cooking, and storing poultry. Proper handling and cooking of poultry help prevent foodborne illness and ensure that your meals are both safe and delicious.
Handling Poultry Safely
Before preparing poultry, always wash your hands thoroughly. Here are some important tips for handling raw poultry:
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw poultry to prevent cross-contamination.
- Never wash raw poultry as this can spread bacteria to other surfaces.
Defrosting Poultry
When defrosting poultry, do not leave it at room temperature. Use one of these safe methods:
- Defrost in the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing.
- Use cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, for faster thawing.
- If using a microwave, cook immediately after thawing.
Cooking Poultry
It is crucial to cook poultry to the correct internal temperature. Follow these guidelines:
- Cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Storing Poultry
Proper storage is key to keeping your poultry safe for later use. Follow these tips:
- Store leftover cooked poultry in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze poultry for longer storage, depending on the form (whole, pieces, or ground).
For more details on keeping poultry safe, visit the full guidelines 驟如下.