Food safetyLesson 1 of 2
The cold chain and chicken safety: a practical guide for restaurants and distributors
Published 2026-07-13 · 5 min read
An unbroken cold chain is the single most important factor in keeping chicken safe from processing to the kitchen. Any break in that chain opens the door to bacterial growth and shortens shelf life.
Safe temperatures
Fresh chicken is kept between 0 and 4°C, while frozen chicken is held at −18°C or below. Exceeding these limits for short periods may seem harmless, but the effect accumulates on product quality and safety.
Common mistakes that break the chain
Key mistakes include leaving product out of refrigeration during receiving, overpacking fridges so air cannot circulate, and refreezing thawed product. Fixing these raises the quality of your final dish and reduces waste.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should fresh chicken be stored at?
Between 0 and 4°C, within an unbroken cold chain.
Can chicken be refrozen after thawing?
It is not recommended; refreezing harms quality and raises food-safety risks.