At the end of December 2014, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) released [iCampylobacter contamination data for the country’s retail food store chains. The results of the published data prompted a number of responses from retailers.
The FSA found that 70 percent of store-bought raw chicken was contaminated with [iCampylobacter jejuni. This bacteria is responsible for sickening around 280,000 people every year in the U.K. A number of retailers worked to come up with solutions to lowering the risk of Campylobacter contamination in raw chicken.
Using cutting-edge “thermoformed” packaging technology, Moy Park, the UK’s leading food company has designed a “roast-in-the-bag” product that when purchased with the raw chicken inside the sealed package needs nothing more than popping it straight in the oven.
Briege Finnegan, the Brand Marketing Manager for Moy Park says, “Our new roast in the bag range is the first retail ready, ovenable whole chicken product to use this innovative packaging technology.” The product is part of Moy Park’s “Good Kitchen” range, developed to target the growing number of shoppers looking for better values in fresh chicken products.
The chickens used are locally sources and come in two flavors, “Extra Tasty” and “Herb and Garlic.” Because the package is self-venting, basting is automatic throughout the roasting process, and this results in a more succulent meat with an enhanced flavor, according to Moy Park.
The biggest advantage for the consumer is not having to handle the raw poultry, thereby lessening the chance of picking up Campylobacter or any other bacterial contamination. The pre-packaged chicken will also save on preparation time when getting a meal ready.
Moy Park also says: “Due to the innovative nature of the packaging, the chicken browns in the pack without having to open it during cooking. The cooking juices are retained within the pack, which means consumers will be able to create flavorsome stocks and gravy.”
Moy Park’s “Good Kitchen” roast-in-the-bag chicken products will be available in Britain beginning in May 2015. The recommended retail price is £5.00.
