“Consuming improperly handled chicken can lead to severe illness and even pose life-threatening risks, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and the frail elderly,” warns Buchtmann.

Buchtmann emphasizes that washing chicken before cooking is unnecessary and could pose health risks.

When preparing chicken, it’s important to note that washing it is not required. The poultry is thoroughly cleaned during the processing stage, explains Buchtmann to SBS News.

Chicken on the menu? No need to wash it. Source: Getty / SimpleImages

“This is really risky, because firstly, any poultry is washed in processing so you don’t need to do it,” she told SBS News.

The FSIC recommends cooking poultry to a minimum of 75C and check with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.

‘Ham is for Christmas, not for life’

“And keep that cloth moist so it doesn’t dry out and keep it in the fridge and change it every three days or so.”

Reduced salt hams, which are becoming more popular, will not last as long, the FSIC noted.

Think about the rollout

The FSIC recommends putting out small amounts initially and then replacing them — not topping them up — with fresh food from the fridge.

It’s also important to keep food covered, as flies can carry contaminants.

Other tips

And if you find yourself swimming in leftovers? Freeze them. It might mean less waste and less opportunities for food poisoning.