Livingston, CA - The March issue of Consumer Reports contains an article which raises issues regarding the safety of raw poultry. The magazine article reports the results of tests of 1,000 chickens purchased from brand name U.S. poultry producers -- including Foster Farms -- for freshness, taste and microbiological content.
Along with Consumer Reports, Foster Farms is always interested in improving the safety of America's poultry products. The company takes extensive measures to ensure that consumers are receiving the freshest, safest product possible.
"At Foster Farms, food safety is a major priority and the company utilizes the most technologically advanced systems available to improve the safety of its poultry," said Randy Boyce, vice president of Foster Farms. "Foster Farms has been providing consumers with California fresh poultry for close to 60 years and maintains an excellent safety record."
To date, Foster Farms has reduced the level of campylobacter in its chickens by more than 60% (since the fall of 1997) and lowered the incidence of salmonella to less than 3% (17 percentage points below the USDA's standard of 20%).
The company is continually employing new measures -- on its farm and in its plants -- to ensure the safety of its poultry:
In the fall of 1997, Foster Farms made changes to modify and improve the poultry chilling process to more effectively control microbial activity. Stringent biosecurity measures are implemented at the farm level to prevent the spread of bacteria among chickens. Foster Farms does not use fluouroquinolones on its flock (an antibiotic used in humans to treat campylobacter and salmonella). Foster Farms employs stringent quality assurance and food safety programs mandated by the USDA including the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points System -- which the company has employed for years -- and Good Manufacturing Practices. Foster Farms employs a Strategic Sampling Program above and beyond USDA regulations to monitor daily for E.coli, salmonella, campylobacter, and total plate count. Foster Farms has a certified lab on premises to conduct testing. Foster Farms continues to aggressively seek out new and improved methods of microbial control and implements those that are found to be effective.
"Consumers are aware of the food safety issues with raw meat and poultry," said Boyce. "Fresh chicken is a natural product, and like all raw, fresh food, chicken may carry natural bacteria that may be harmful to humans. Harmful bacteria can be destroyed by the heat of proper cooking, so consumers should always follow handling and cooking advice printed on packages of poultry."
For tips on proper poultry handling and cooking, consumers can call Foster Farms' consumer helpline at 800-255-7227.
Based in Livingston, Calif., Foster Farms is the largest poultry producer in the Western United States. The company produces and delivers more than 400 million pounds of fresh chicken and turkey each year to retailers throughout the West. Foster Farms has never had a major outbreak of foodborne illness associated with its products in its nearly 60 year business history.
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