Monitoring by the DH Communicable Disease Control Branch has indicated a higher than usual number of food poisonings associated with a Salmonella strain of bacteria.

The increase in the number of poisonings appears to be associated with fresh chicken prepared in the home.

Chicken is one of the most commonly eaten foods with most people eating it at least once a week.

Chicken can be safety prepared at home if care is taken to:

• Store the chicken in the fridge at 5^oC or less.
• Don’t cross contaminate other foods with raw meat juices.
• Wash food preparation surfaces, such as knives and cutting boards, thoroughly and preferably allow to air dry before using for the preparation of foods that won’t be cooked, such as salads.
• Wash and dry hands thoroughly immediately after preparing raw chicken
• Ensure chicken is cooked properly so that the meat is white and the juices run clear.

Salmonella is killed by proper cooking.

Salmonella is a fairly common form of food poisoning with 350 to 650 cases being reported in South Australia most years.