Around 50% of all store-bought chickens contaminated with food bug
There has been a significant rise in the amount of contaminated chickens bought in Ireland.
According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, around half of all fresh store-bought chicken here is contaminated with campylobacter.
Dr Lisa O’Connor, chief specialist in food science at the FSAI, said they are aware of the problem and admits it poses a “significant challenge” for the consumer.
“Overall, around 50% of all chickens at retail level are contaminated with campylobacter,” she said.
The Irish Examiner
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The FSAI says people can prevent the spread of the bacteria by NOT washing chicken - washing only spreads it further - keeping all utensils and hands clean and also by cooking the meat thoroughly, which will kill the bug.
Campylobacter contamination has also risen in Britain, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). A new report reveals every major retailer in Britain failed to meet targets to reduce the food poisoning bug.
The FSA said the overall increase in contamination was most likely due to the second quarter’s samples being taken during the summer months.
