Most Raw Chicken in U.S. Contaminated with Bacteria Like Salmonella or E.Coli

A recent analysis by Consumer Reports shows that most raw chicken sold in the United States is contaminated with salmonella and E. coli.

According to the data, such harmful bacteria has been found and tested in 316 raw chicken breasts in 26 states and "found potentially harmful bacteria lurking in almost all of the chicken, including organic brands," the Agence France-Presse notes.

The analysis looked at four of the groups largest brands, including Pilgrims, Sanderson Farms, Perdue and Tyson-showing that their chicken contained worrisome amounts of bacteria, according to the AFP. Worse yet, fecal contaminates that cause blood and urinary-tract infections also contaminated over half of the chicken breasts in the states.

The organization notes that some 389 people have become infected due to bacterial issues from chicken, often purchased from such stores as Wal-Mart, Whole Foods, Kroger and Trader Joes.

"Americans eat about 160 million servings of chicken every single day, and 99.99 percent of those servings are consumed safely," the council said. "Unfortunately, this particular statistic was left out of the 'in depth' piece recently published by Consumer Reports."

Every year, the U.C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million fall sick due to salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli, and other contaminants.

While it is impossible to eliminate bacteria completely, smart handing of food preparation can help prevent health issues.