Information Update - Safety of Frozen Raw Breaded Poultry Products

OTTAWA, June 28, 2015 /CNW/ - While breaded chicken nuggets, chicken burgers and strips may look like they're pre-cooked, many frozen breaded poultry products are actually raw and need to be handled carefully and cooked thoroughly.

Raw meat and poultry can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. However, Salmonella and other harmful foodborne bacteria can be completely eliminated by cooking thoroughly. Following safe food handling practices can also reduce your chances of getting food poisoning.

Every year, roughly one in eight Canadians (or four million people) get sick with food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness. Many of these illnesses can be prevented by following proper food handling and preparation techniques. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. See a health care professional as soon as possible if you think you have a foodborne illness.

If you are preparing frozen raw breaded poultry products, take the following precautions to protect yourself and your family:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw poultry products.
• Use a separate plate, cutting board, and utensils when handling raw poultry products to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked poultry products. Cook all frozen, stuffed, breaded or raw poultry pieces to a minimum internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Whole poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 82°C (180°F).
• Always follow the cooking and heating instructions on the package of any frozen raw breaded poultry product, including products labelled with phrases such as Uncooked, Cook and Serve, Ready to Cook, and Oven Ready.
• Due to uneven heating, microwave cooking of frozen raw breaded poultry products, including chicken nuggets, strips or burgers, is not recommended.

For more information:
Public Health Notice – Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products
Safe internal cooking temperatures
Poultry safety
Video: Cooking temperatures

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SOURCE Health Canada