Below, I share five practical tips to help you buy and store chicken safely:
1. Check its appearance and smell when buying
Your first line of defense is your sense of sight and smell. Fresh chicken should have a uniform pinkish color, with no greenish or grayish spots. Furthermore, the skin should not look dry or sticky. If you detect a strong or unpleasant odor when you bring it closer, it is best to avoid it. Remember: chicken should have a neutral smell—nothing more.
2. Check the expiration date and the packaging
In supermarkets, chicken is usually sold in sealed trays. Before placing it in your cart, take a close look at the expiration date. Also, check that the plastic wrap is not torn and that there is no excessive liquid pooled inside, as this may indicate that the product is no longer in its best condition. If you are buying from a butcher shop, ask directly when that batch of chicken arrived.
3. Transport and immediate refrigeration
Raw chicken should never be left at room temperature for too long. Once you have purchased it, the best approach is to take it home as soon as possible. If you know you will be making several stops, place the chicken in an insulated bag to keep it cool. Upon arriving home, store it immediately.
…the refrigerator or the freezer, depending on when you plan to use it.
