5 Key Factors to Examine When Buying Raw Chicken, According to Food Safety Authorities

Raw chicken often gets a bad reputation—and, honestly, it’s not entirely undeserved. The bare, plucked poultry isn’t exactly the most appetizing choice to shop for or prepare, yet those who enjoy meat know it’s delicious. Unfortunately, raw chicken carries serious food safety risks, including foodborne illness, which can be dangerous. Unlike red meat, poultry should never be eaten raw or undercooked. Proper packaging, storage, and cooking can minimize these risks, but it’s crucial to start with a safe, high-quality chicken to ensure the best flavor and health benefits. Speaking of health, labels can help you choose the right chicken for your needs. While the U.S. prohibits added hormones in poultry, some brands may claim their chicken is “hormone-free”—but all poultry is free from hormones by law!

The use of antibiotics in poultry production is a topic of debate and is legally allowed, so some brands may advertise their chicken as ‘antibiotic-free,’ or more likely, simply not mention antibiotics used. Labels like ‘all-natural’ have no real meaning when it comes to poultry, but organic chicken adheres to a set of strict guidelines. Free-range chicken, on the other hand, simply indicates that the birds have some access to the outdoors. However, none of these labels guarantee the safety of the chicken—it ultimately depends on the supermarket to ensure quality.

Choosing safe chicken starts with the sanitation standards of the supermarket. “You may be familiar with restaurant grading, but did you know grocery stores have a similar inspection process?” says Dru Rosales, MS, RD, LD. “Grocery stores are regulated by each state’s health department. Make sure the store’s inspection is current, and check for any recent violations and how they were addressed.”

What to Check for When Shopping for Poultry

Even if your supermarket passes inspection, there are still plenty of signs to watch for when buying raw chicken to ensure it's safe to consume. Here’s what to look for in the poultry aisle to help you pick the best chicken available.

Keep an Eye on the Sell-By Date

Every package of chicken will have a sell-by date that must be followed. “While the 50% off sticker may tempt you, be sure to check the sell-by date on the package and cook it within 1-2 days of purchase, as recommended by USDA guidelines,” advises Rosales.

Take a Whiff of the Chicken

Fresh raw chicken should be nearly odorless. If it has a strong smell, that's a clear indication that it's either spoiling or contaminated with bacteria. Steer clear of anything that has a pungent scent, and instead, choose poultry with no noticeable smell.

Inspect the Hue

Raw chicken usually appears light pink or beige. If you notice any other shades, it's a red flag. 'Avoid any chicken that shows gray or green hues, or has an unusual odor,' says Rosales.

Look for Package Damage

Proper packaging is crucial when buying chicken. 'Always check chicken packages for any rips or signs of leaking,' advises Rosales. 'Damaged packaging allows bacteria to enter or spread to other food and surfaces it comes into contact with.'

Choose a Whole Chicken When You Can

Not only is buying a whole chicken usually more cost-effective than purchasing pre-cut pieces, but it can also be a safer option. 'Whenever chicken is processed—whether ground, chopped into pieces, or deboned—it opens the door for bacteria like Salmonella to get in,' Rosales explains. 'During the 2013 poultry outbreak, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) found that Salmonella contamination increased as poultry was processed into various cuts.' Fortunately, whole chickens can be easily butchered at home into pieces safely.

How to Properly Handle Raw Chicken During Transport

How you handle your chicken when shopping makes a difference. 'When purchasing raw chicken along with other items, like fresh fruits and vegetables, it's important to keep the chicken separate in your cart,' says Rosales. 'Raw meats should always be bagged separately from other foods.'

When buying raw meat, it's crucial to maintain a safe temperature. Try purchasing meat toward the end of your shopping trip to reduce the time it spends in the cart, and avoid waiting too long before refrigerating it. 'Make sure you get [the chicken] into your refrigerator or freezer within two hours of taking it off the shelf,' advises Rosales. 'Bacteria multiply rapidly in the danger zone, so if you have a long drive or won’t be heading straight home, be sure to pack a cooler with ice or ice packs.'