Fully cooked frozen products

Do not defrost fully cooked frozen products. Instead, cook product from a frozen state.

Microwave defrost times

Microwave ovens vary. Defrosting times are approximate. Some microwaves may defrost foods faster than others. Follow your microwave manual's defrost instructions.

Paper towels for cleaning

Use paper towels to clean kitchen preparation surfaces instead of cloth. You can then throw the soiled paper towels away.

Plastic cutting boards

Use plastic or other nonporous cutting boards. Wooden cutting boards can absorb juices, making them hard to clean thoroughly.

Sanitize after touching uncooked meat

Wash and sanitize your hands, tools, and preparation surfaces after coming in contact with uncooked meat.

Uncooked food defrosting

Defrost covered uncooked foods on a plate on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator to prevent them from dripping on prepared foods.

Uncooked meat surfaces

Never put cooked food or food to be eaten uncooked (such as salads) on surfaces where uncooked meat has been prepared.

Clean up spills

Clean up spills with hot soapy water.

Hand Washing Procedure

1. Get hands and arms wet under running water as hot as you can comfortably stand.

2. Apply enough soap to build a good lather.

3. Scrub hands and arms vigorously for 10-15 seconds.

4. Rinse hands and arms with running water.

5. Dry hands and arms with a single-use paper towel.

Cover tightly

Cover your foods tightly to keep them fresh.

First In, First Out

In other words, use older product first before you open a newer package of the same product.

Freezer at 0°F

Keep your freezer at 0°F.

Keep chicken refrigerated

Keep chicken refrigerated until you're ready to cook it.

Keep uncooked separate

Store uncooked meat/poultry items together — separate from cooked foods.

Label fridge content

Label and date your refrigerator's contents with the storage date. Leftovers should be eaten within 3 days. After that, put them in the freezer for long-term storage.

Packaged fresh chicken

Packaged fresh chicken may be refrigerated in its original wrapping in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

A few portions at a time

Following your microwave manual's defrost instructions, defrost only a few portions at a time on a microwaveable plate covered with plastic wrap. Rotate the plate one-quarter turn 4 times during the defrost cycle, checking portions before each rotation. Turn portions over and re-cover with plastic wrap halfway through the defrost cycle.

Cook after defrosting

After defrosting, cook immediately. Use this method only if you are going to use the item immediately in another cooking process, or to continue cooking immediately in the microwave.

Defrost in cold water

Chicken may be defrosted in cold water in its airtight packaging or in a leakproof bag. Submerge the cut-up portions in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to be sure it stays cold. Most products will be thawed within two hours.

Remaining product back in freezer

Take out only the portions you need and quickly place the remaining product back in the freezer.

Defrost uncooked on lowest shelf

Defrost covered uncooked foods on a plate on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator to prevent them from dripping on prepared foods.

Unopened bag

Place unopened bag or portions needed (covered with plastic wrap or in a leakproof bag) in a large bowl or pan, and refrigerate overnight.