You should not thaw raw chicken on the counter, the USDA says.Д¬hapman said that, regardless of the method people use, they should ensure that the outside of the chicken is not above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours. There are several methods for thawing raw chicken that has been frozen, including placing it in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave, according to the U.S.

Washing poultry can spread juices around, and sometimes spread bacteria up to three feet away, according to the University of WisconsinвЂ“Madison.ДЇood safety researchers at Drexel University recently launched a public health campaign to help get the word out about the hazards of poultry washing, and created an animation showing how the practice can spread germs.Д¬hapman advised consumers to avoid this practice. When preparing food, people should clean their hands after touching raw chicken products, and clean other utensils and appliances that come in contact with raw chicken, such as a cutting board or knife, before using them again, Chapman said.ДЄlthough some people have been taught to wash raw chicken, this practice really promotes cross-contamination, Chapman said. To avoid cross-contamination when buying meat, consumers should first make sure there is nothing dripping from the package, Chapman said.Д¬hapman said he also places meat in a separate plastic bag so that it doesn't contaminate other food or reusable bags.

It's important to keep in mind that juices from meat can contaminate other objects and surfaces they come in contact with - such as your hands, kitchen counter, cutting knife or uncooked food - and spread around, Chapman said.Д¬ross-contamination can happen at any point in the cooking and handling process, starting at the grocery store.

Salmonella outbreak frozen shrimp