Proper Handling of Chicken and Poultry Products: The Importance of a Cold Chain System

At Sooners Delivery, we know that quality starts with proper food safety. Chicken and other poultry products are among the most sensitive meats and must be handled with extra care — from the supplier to the restaurant kitchen. Maintaining the cold chain is critical to ensure freshness, safety, and compliance with health regulations.

🐔 Why Poultry Requires Special Handling

Chicken and its derivatives (like wings, breast fillets, nuggets, or processed patties) are highly perishable. If not stored and transported correctly, they can develop harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, which can lead to serious foodborne illnesses.

❄️ What Is the Cold Chain?

The cold chain refers to the uninterrupted temperature-controlled process of storing and transporting perishable goods. For poultry, this usually means keeping the temperature at or below:

• 4°C (39°F) for fresh chicken
• -18°C (0°F) for frozen products

Breaking the cold chain — even for a short time — can compromise food safety.

✅ Best Practices for Handling Chicken and Poultry Products

1. Temperature Checks at Every Step

Ensure products are received, stored, and delivered at the correct temperature. Use digital thermometers or temperature loggers.

2. Proper Storage

• Store fresh poultry in sealed containers on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.
• Keep frozen chicken in commercial freezers that maintain -18°C (0°F) or below.

3. Avoid Refreezing

Once thawed, poultry should never be refrozen — this affects texture and increases bacterial risk.

4. Clean Equipment and Surfaces

Always clean and sanitize cutting boards, knives, and hands after handling raw poultry.

5. Timely Delivery

Use insulated containers or refrigerated vans to ensure the chicken stays at a safe temperature during delivery.

🚛 How Sooners Delivery Ensures Cold Chain Integrity

At Sooners Delivery, we:

• Use refrigerated trucks for all poultry deliveries
• Monitor temperatures throughout the route
• Partner only with trusted suppliers who follow USDA and FDA food safety standards
• Deliver quickly to maintain maximum freshness for hotels and restaurants across Florida

🏆 Trust Sooners for Safe, Fresh Poultry

Whether you run a hotel, restaurant, or catering service, Sooners Delivery guarantees professional food handling every step of the way. Our team takes food safety seriously — because your customers deserve the best.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about our poultry supply solutions.