Most raw chicken has bugs

The Consumers' Institute is warning people to properly store, prepare and cook chicken after a study found 85 per cent of raw chickens tested were found to have campylobacter.

Chicken is a popular choice for children's meals, according to the National Children's Nutrition Survey.

In this month's Consumer magazine, the institute said it bought 40 raw chickens covering 11 brands, and found that 34 tested positive for the type of campylobacter bacteria known to cause illness.

"No one brand, chain or shop was beyond reproach. We found contaminated chickens among most brands, and from supermarket chains and butchers alike."

Consumer also bought 25 cooked chickens and 25 smoked chickens.

"None tested positive for campylobacter," it said. "Big thumbs up to the producers and retailers."

- NZPA