Store Bought Chicken: 48% Is Tainted With Feces

Researchers examining the contamination of chick products in 10 major cities have found that 48% of the poultry they investigated was contaminated with deadly E. coli, an indicator that fecal contamination was present on the poultry that was examined.

The president of the group which examined 120 chickens tells the New York Times

“Most consumers do not realize that feces are in the chicken products they purchase.”

Not surprisingly the group that conducted the experiment suggests a vegan diet to offset the risk of meat products although listeriosis, salmonella and other issues have also been linked to fruits and vegetables.

In the meantime food specialists say the issue isn’t worth chickening out over when it comes to buying poultry, they not that the sample size although diverse in its regional ties was very small when we consider that 42 million pounds of raw chicken sits on grocery store shelves every single day.

Opponents to the study also warn that the strain of E. coli the researchers were looking for isn’t actually harmful even though the lead researcher claims it can lead to urinary tract infections, a claim that has not been directly linked at this time.

One doctor tells the times:

“What’s surprising to me is that they didn’t find more,” while he adds, “Poop gets into your food.”

While some of the samples had levels higher than the Department of Agriculture allows researchers can’t tell if those samples were tainted at a processing plant or on their way to store shelves.

In any case proper heating of poultry even when high in E. Coli can help ensure a safe meal. Cook your chicken to at least 165 degrees and you should be good to go, even if you are eating a little bit of chicken poop.