Fresh chicken is perishable and must be handled with care. From your shopping cart to your home, here are some pointers for safe handling. 

When shopping, pick up your chicken last so it’s not sitting for a long time at room temperature in your cart. And, if you’re running errands, save your grocery shopping until last so chicken and other meats aren’t left in a hot car. 

Once home with your chicken, refrigerate it immediately. At room temperature, the quality and safety of fresh chicken are quickly compromised. Never let it sit out on the countertop — even if you plan to make it for that night’s dinner. Here are some more tips on storing, handling, thawing and transporting chicken that will let you get the freshest taste from your chicken. 

Keep Hands and Surfaces Clean

• Rinsing chicken before using is optional. But if you do rinse it, wash your sink out with hot, soapy water afterwards.
• Do not let raw chicken juices come in contact with other foods in the fridge.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate during preparation. And never use the same cutting board for raw chicken and vegetables without washing it in hot, soapy water first.
• Wash all surfaces and equipment that the raw chicken comes in contact with during preparation, including bowls, plates, cutting boards, knives, countertops, etc. And don’t forget your hands!