Is your chicken really hormone- and steroid-free?
Absolutely. Foster Farms poultry is always 100% natural - we never use hormones or steroids of any kind.

What are Foster Farms chickens fed?
Our chickens are fed highly nutritious feed composed mostly of corn and soy meal, with vitamins and minerals added. Some meat and grain by-products may also be minor ingredients, included to achieve the proper balance of amino acids. Because we own and operate feed mills, the custom diet of Foster Farms' poultry always addresses the specific needs of our particular birds, to ensure optimum growth.

Are your chickens raised in "chicken coops" or are they "free range"?
Neither. Our chickens and turkeys are grown in large poultry barns designed to protect the birds from environmental extremes, while allowing in natural light and fresh air. The interior temperature is controlled, and clean water and feed are available at all times. Our barns are built with adequate space for the birds to move freely. The floors are covered with absorbent bedding materials such as rice hulls and wood shavings.

Do you use antibiotics?
Because strong preventative measures are taken on the farm to ensure excellent health and development, our need for and use of animal antibiotics is very limited - less than 1% of our birds. Occasionally, antibiotics are given to prevent and eliminate specific poultry diseases during the growing process. In accordance with FDA regulations, these are added to either the food or water in carefully measured dosages, and are withdrawn long before processing to ensure that no antibiotics are present in the chicken you purchase. Birds are regularly tested and confirmed free of antibiotic residue before leaving the farm.

What does "natural" mean?
It means that the product does not contain any artificial flavor or flavoring, coloring, chemical preservatives or any other synthetic ingredient. Also, the product and its ingredients are minimally processed.

Is Foster Farms chicken irradiated?
No, we do not expose our chicken to radiation (irradiate) for the purpose of killing bacteria during processing.

Is Foster Farms fresh chicken truly fresh?
Fresh Foster Farms fresh chicken is always delivered to your grocer fresh, which means it's never been stored below 26°F. While some grocers occasionally freeze our chicken and thaw it, they'll then label it "previously frozen."

What does "minimally processed" mean?
This means that our poultry is handled only as is necessary to clean it and make it ready for you to cook. The raw poultry is not fundamentally altered by the processing. It's all part of our efforts to give you the most natural product that we can.

How long can I refrigerate fresh chicken?
If the chicken was placed in a refrigerator (40° or below) right after purchase, fresh Foster Farms chicken should be used or frozen within one to two days after purchase, and always by the date printed on the label. If you don't plan to use it that soon, it's best to freeze it immediately.

I found a package of chicken in the freezer dated 1997. Can I use it?
For optimum quality, frozen raw chicken should be used within 12 months if whole, 9 months for parts.

Can I refreeze partially thawed chicken?
If there are ice crystals on the chicken and it's still solid, it can be refrozen. For the best quality, it would be better to finish thawing the chicken and cook it.

Can I freeze chicken in its original package?
Yes, the original packaging is fine for freezing for up to two months. For longer freezing, overwrap packages with foil, plastic wrap, freezer paper or plastic bags. If you like, individual pieces may be rewrapped for defrosting one at a time.

Can Savory Servings^TM be frozen? How about Fresh & Easy?
Sure! For optimum quality, both may be frozen for up to four months. Freeze them in their original packaging.

What's the best method for thawing chicken or turkey?
Never thaw poultry at room temperature! The safest method is in the refrigerator. Allow approximately five hours per pound thawing time, longer for large turkeys (up to five days). For faster thawing, place packaged poultry in a bowl or sink full of cold water; change the water every half hour. And never use hot water, since it can stimulate bacterial growth. You can also defrost in your microwave following the manufacturer's instructions. Cook refrigerated thawed poultry within one to two days. Poultry thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked immediately.

For tips on safe handling, cooking, thawing and storage, see the Safe Kitchen checklist on our website.

Should I wash chicken or turkey before cooking?
From a safety standpoint, it's not necessary to rinse raw poultry before cooking. Proper cooking will destroy bacteria present in the juices. However, for aesthetic reasons, you may want to rinse poultry. Use cool running tap water and pat dry with paper towels.

How do different cuts of chicken compare in calories and fat?
Here's a quick reference chart of approximate measurements for 3-ounce cooked portions of skinless chicken.

I'm cooking for a group of 100; how much chicken will I need?
For boneless parts, we generally suggest about 4 ounces of uncooked chicken per serving. A whole chicken is about four servings.

For cooking times, see our Thawing and Cooking Chicken section.

How long should I microwave chicken?
Start with the following times as your guide, but always double check: Chicken is completely cooked when there's no pink inside and juices run clear. The USDA recommends against microwaving stuffed chicken because the meat cooks so rapidly, the stuffing inside might not reach a high enough temperature to be safe.

How do I know the chicken is done?
The safest, most accurate method is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of whole chicken (tip of thermometer deep in the muscle, not touching bone) should be 180°F in the thigh, or 170°F in the breast, and 165°F for boneless parts. If you don't have a thermometer, pierce the chicken with a fork; juices should run clear. There should be no pink meat when it's cut into.

How far in advance can I buy a fresh Foster Farms^® turkey?
If you don't plan to freeze it, about three to four days before you cook it is fine, and always cook or freeze it by the "sell by" date.

What size turkey is best for my family?
Plan on about three-quarters to one pound raw weight per person, more if you love leftovers.

If I freeze my Foster Farms turkey, what's the best way to thaw it?
The safest way is in the refrigerator, in the original unopened wrapper, breast side up on a tray. Allow about one day of thawing for every five pounds. For quicker thawing, immerse the turkey in a sink full of cold water; change the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 30 minutes per pound.

See our Turkey Thawing Timetable section.

What's the difference between a hen and a tom turkey?
A hen is usually under 16 pounds, and toms are normally over. Both are young at the time of processing and therefore there's no difference in moistness, flavor and texture.

Every year I forget: How long does it take to roast a turkey?
You're not alone! See our complete information on thawing, roasting times, handling, stuffing and storage of turkey.

What's the proper way to carve a turkey?
See our directions in our Carving the Turkey section of this website.

Can leftover marinade from the Savory Servings® package be used at the table?
Use the marinade to baste the meat while cooking. Discard any unused marinade that hasn't been cooked.

Are Foster Farms Franks pre-cooked? Are they safe to eat without reheating?
Yes, all Foster Farms Franks are fully cooked. For optimum quality and flavor, we suggest reheating franks until steaming hot throughout.

Can Foster Farms Franks and Luncheon Meats be frozen?
Yes they can; we recommend no longer than one to two months, for best quality.

I accidentally thawed my box of Foster Farms Corn Dogs. How long will they last?
You have about 10 to 14 days from the thawed date. Keep them in the refrigerator before heating.

My grocer no longer carries one of your products. Is it still available?
For specific product availability, call our Helpline at 1-800-255-7227; chances are it's available near you. And ask your meat department manager to carry it again - customers carry all the clout!

I just moved; where can I find Foster Farms poultry in my new town?
Call our Foster Farms Helpline - 1-800-255-7227 - for the store nearest you.