Purchase the product before the "sell-by" or expiration dates.
Follow handling recommendations on product.
Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Do not let raw juices drip onto other foods. For freezing, use moisture and vapor-proof wrap or container.
(Source: Associate Professor Peggy Van Laanen, Extension Nutrition Specialist, Texas A&M University)
All chickens found in retail stores are either inspected by USDA or by state systems which have standards equivalent to the Federal government. Each chicken and its internal organs are inspected for signs of disease. The "Inspected for wholesomeness by the U.S. Department of Agriculture" seal insures the chicken is free from visible signs of disease.
Inspection is mandatory but grading is voluntary. Chickens are graded according to USDA Agriculture Marketing Service regulations and standards for meatiness, appearance and freedom from defects. Grade A chickens have plump, meaty bodies and clean skin, free of bruises, broken bones, feathers, cuts and discoloration.
When purchasing fully cooked rotisserie or fast food chicken, be sure it is hot at time of purchase. Use it within two hours or cut it into several pieces and refrigerate in shallow, covered containers. Eat either cold or reheated to 165°F (hot and steaming). It is safe to freeze ready-prepared chicken. For best quality, flavor and texture, use within 4 months.
It is not recommended to buy retail-stuffed fresh whole chicken because of the highly perishable nature of a previously stuffed item. Consumers should not pre-stuff whole chicken to cook at a later time. Chicken can be stuffed immediately before cooking. Some USDA-inspected frozen stuffed whole poultry MUST be cooked from the frozen state to ensure a safely cooked product. Follow preparation directions on the label.
(Source: www.fsis.usda.gov)
Contacted specialists in the Quality Assurance Department and Consumer Response Department at the following companies:
Butterball, LLC
Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation
Hormel Foods Corporation
Perdue Farms
Pilgrims Pride
Other Sources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
*This is only a partial list of our sources as we have used multiple other resources.