Poultry and Eggs Safety

Use safe practices in egg and poultry production, handling, and preparation

Poultry and eggs safety measures are important in all phases of the poultry industry. Whether you raise poultry, sell poultry and eggs or prepare them for a restaurant or other food service business, safety is one of the most important aspects.

Improperly prepared poultry, eggs and other foods can cause a range of bacteria-based illnesses, including campylobacter, salmonellosis, and E. coli. Food borne illness and product recalls can spell disaster for a food processor or restaurant. To reduce the risk, businesses who deal with eggs, poultry and related foods should:

1. Choose poultry producers that follow safe practices and are inspected and certified;

2. Handle eggs and poultry as recommended;

3. Prepare and cook poultry and eggs according to safety standards.

 

Follow poultry and eggs safety tips when raising poultry

Small producers and farms can have an advantage over larger companies by following safety standards and using organic methods. Besides producing products that are safe, they also may have a higher perceived quality and a connection with the local community.
Try: The Small Farm Resource provides information on safety and handling methods for small poultry producers. Lion's Grip gives information on raising chickens using natural or organic methods.

Look for poultry processors that follow voluntary and required programs

Poultry and eggs are certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for inspecting all food producers. Inspection of poultry is mandatory. In addition, a poultry company may pay for grading services by the USDA and participate in local or national programs and certification processes.
Try: The United States Department of Agriculture gives information about regulations and policies affecting poultry and eggs. United Egg Producers offers the Total Quality Assurance Food Safety Program to assist egg producers and processors in meeting guidelines for food safety.

Follow safe-handling procedures of a poultry product

There are many guidelines for handling poultry and eggs. They include safety practices used in selecting a poultry product, storing, cleaning and preparing.
Try: The United States Food and Drug Administration provides information about the safe handling and preparing of food. The American Egg Board and The Egg Salad Gourmet give tips for handling eggs. Whole Foods Market offers information about choosing, refrigerating and handling poultry.

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