Raw uncovered Spatchcock in the fridge - safe?

howmeisterg

Hi All.

Prep-ing my first cook for tomorrow, and have a fully prepared chicken laying on a pan, and based on advice I have read, I am drying it out overnight uncovered in the fridge for crispier skin.

The wife is concerned about the bacteria becoming airborne and cross-contaminating other food in there, like the surface of apples and eggs.

The chicken and its liquid is completely separate from anything else - I am careful about that.

But what about the transfer of bacteria through the air - should I be concerned and loosely cover it? What is everyone's experience with uncovered poultry in the fridge?

Thanks!!

Fidel

I'm trying my best not to be a total smarta$$ here, so I'll just say I think you have nothing to worry about as long as you contain any juices or runoff.

BigA

you will be fine! not sure that bacteria will be airborn, if so everyone that works in a slaughter house would be sick if you catch my drift. if she is scared, she can wash her apples. you can read this site if you wish.
http://www.meatcookingexpert.com/28/long-chicken-refrigerator

howmeisterg

Fidel,

Thanks for containing yourself.

Fidel

Restraint is not one of my strong points.

Mickey

Do it that way and also my spatchcocked turkey.

SmokeyPitt

Hey HMG (can I call you HMG?).

My wife is also a little food safety paranoid. I agree with the others that you just need to worry about contact or leakage.

Here is a link on safety. It doesn't explicitly state it is "ok to leave uncovered", but it doesn't say anything about airborne bacteria.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/chicken_food_safety_focus/index.asp

Good luck on your first spatchcock!

jeffinsgf

Interesting link. It suggests that you will significantly prolong the shelf life of your chicken by unwrapping, drying and storing in the refer this way.

In a Mexican supermarket a few months ago my wife was completely grossed out by an enormous stack of unwrapped chickens...apparently we Americans have been well trained by the agra-industrial brainwashers.

howmeisterg

SmokeyPitt,

HMG is fine!

howmeisterg

SmokeyPitt,

HMG is fine!

Egg Juju

At the risk of potential food safety arguments... If I am scared that some piece of food will make me sick at any point from store to plate... I leave it at the store.