5 facts about Canadian chicken
September is National Chicken Month and an annual opportunity to remind Canadians of the benefits of eating locally raised chicken. National standards for safety, hygiene, and care ensure that the poultry you buy is healthy and safe to enjoy. To mark the occasion, here are five facts about Canadian chicken.
- It’s hormone-free
In Canada, the use of hormones and steroids to raise poultry was banned in the 1960s.
- It’s free run
All chicken raised for meat in Canada is free run. Chicken Farmers of Canada says this means they’re able to roam freely within a climate-controlled barn and have constant access to feed and water.
- It’s sustainable
Since the mid-1970s, the carbon footprint of raising chickens in Canada has decreased by almost 40%. Additionally, chicken has the smallest carbon footprint of all meat produced because the birds don’t emit methane from their digestive system.
- It’s ethically raised
All Canadian chicken farms are audited annually to ensure they adhere to the standards outlined in the Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program. The independently reviewed requirements emphasize proper animal care.
- It’s healthy
The average chicken breast has approximately 300 calories, 50 grams of protein, and six grams of fat. It’s a lean, high-quality source of protein with essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium.
Canada’s chicken farmers — nearly 3,000 of them across the nation — provide consumers with safe, fresh, and delicious chicken every day. Their caring hands help keep Canadians healthy and fed.
Don’t chicken out on this poultry pop quiz
1. Poultry is considered cooked when the leg of a whole bird can be easily removed, the meat is no longer pink, and the juices run clear without blood. At what temperature is chicken safe to eat?
a) 63 C (145 F)
b) 68 C (155 F)
c) 74 C (165 F)
d) 79 C (175 F)
2. Chicken consumption in Canada has risen by almost 20 pounds per capita since 1998. What was the approximate per capita amount of chicken consumed annually in Canada in 2019?
a) 18 pounds
b) 24 pounds
c) 65 pounds
d) 77 pounds
3. True or false: you should always rinse raw chicken before cooking it?
4. Raw chicken should be stored in the fridge at 4.5 C (40 F) for no more than:
a) One to two days
b) Two to three days
c) Three to four days
d) Four to five days
5. True or false: the average chicken breast has approximately 300 calories, 50 grams of protein and six grams of fat?
Answers: 1. c 2. d 3. False! Rinsing raw chicken spreads bacteria around and can contaminate kitchen surfaces. 4. d 5. True! Chicken is an excellent source of low-fat protein.
