Champion friends must often hear the opinion that consuming broiler chicken meat is dangerous because it is injected with hormones to make it grow quickly. Apart from that, there are also those who say that broiler chickens are genetically engineered so they have fat bodies and lots of meat.
In fact, broiler chickens grow very quickly, in just 6-7 weeks their body weight can reach 1.5-2 kg per bird. Hmmm, So, myth or fact, is consuming broiler chicken meat dangerous for your health? Come on, find out the answer!
4 Facts about Broiler Chicken Meat
Here are 4 facts about broiler chicken meat that you need to know, including:
Fact 1: Broiler Chickens Do Not Contain Growth Hormones
One myth that is often heard is that broiler chickens contain growth hormones. In fact, the use of hormone and steroid injections for animal husbandry has been banned in Indonesia, you know. This prohibition is stated in Article 15 and Article 18 Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture (Permentan) Number 14/Permentan/PK.350/5/2017.
Launching from Sari Agri, Growth hormone is not only dangerous for humans, but also for the chicken itself. Growth hormone can cause chickens to experience stress, obesity and premature death.
So, How come Can broiler chickens grow quickly? This is caused by genetic factors, proper feeding and nutrition, good maintenance, veterinary care, and better living conditions. Broiler chickens are also vaccinated so that their immune system becomes good and they are not susceptible to disease.
Fact 2: Broiler Chickens Are Not Genetically Engineered
Genetically engineered broiler chickens are also one of the false myths about broiler chickens that are popular among the public. In fact, broiler chickens are not the result of genetic engineering. Broiler chickens are actually a superior breed of chicken resulting from crossing several types of chicken that have high productivity.
Breeders will choose broiler chickens that are the strongest, healthiest and do not have disease genes. Chickens that meet the requirements are then bred together to produce good quality, healthier and bigger broiler chickens.
The advantages that broiler chickens will have depend on support from the environment, including high quality feed, good housing systems, health care, and disease prevention.
Also read: Successful Broiler Chicken Breeding for Beginners. Here are the Tips!
Fact 3: Broiler chickens are no fatter than free-range chickens
Another myth that often circulates is that broiler chickens are fatter than free-range chickens, so they can increase the risk of cholesterol, obesity and heart disease. However, this is also not entirely true you know Champion Friends.
Based on data from BPOM in 2014, per 100 grams of broiler chicken meat, the fat content is 3.57 grams, while per 100 grams of free-range chicken meat, the fat content is 3.27 grams. This difference has no effect on health, as long as chicken meat is consumed in appropriate portions and processed correctly.
Apart from that, the fat content in chicken meat is also influenced by the part of the chicken body consumed. The fattest parts of a chicken's body are the skin and the area around the tail. If you want to reduce your fat intake, you should avoid consuming these parts. Choose lower fat parts of chicken, such as breast, thighs or wings.
Fact 4: Broiler Chickens Do Not Cause Bacterial Infections
The next myth that often arises is that consumption of broiler chicken meat causes bacterial infections, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. The effects can cause diarrhea, fever, vomiting and stomach ache. In fact, this can be prevented by handling chicken meat properly before and after processing it.
Before you buy broiler chicken meat, make sure you choose fresh, quality meat from a trusted seller. Like a Champion who already has an NKV certificate, so there is no need to hesitate to consume this Champion chicken.
What anyway NKV? Launching the page Animal Friends, NKV (Veterinary Control Number) is a certificate that functions as written and official proof that a product meets hygienic requirements. This is the basic standard of eligibility for guarantees and safety of animal products.
Also read: 5 Tips for Choosing a Healthy and Quality Chicken Carcass
How to Choose Quality Broiler Chicken Meat
To choose quality broiler chicken meat, you can pay attention to the following things:
- The color of broiler chicken meat is bright yellowish white and shiny, not pale white, blue, or shiny.
- The texture of broiler chicken meat is chewy, dense, and not watery, swollen, or tough. If the meat is too soft, watery, mealy, or crumbles easily, it could be from tiren chicken.
- The aroma of broiler chicken meat does not smell strong, fishy, sour or chemical. If the meat doesn't smell at all, it could be contaminated with chemicals.
- Does not produce excessive blood or fluid when cut or pressed.
- Broiler chicken meat should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer with appropriate temperature and no more than 2 days.
- Must be packaged well, with no tears, leaks or puncture marks.
- Quality broiler chicken meat usually attracts flies, because flies like fresh meat. If there are no flies at all, it could be that the meat contains dangerous chemicals.
The Right Way to Process Chicken Meat
There are several tips for processing chicken meat properly, including:
- Store uncooked chicken in a closed container and put it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Cook the chicken until cooked at a minimum temperature of 74 degrees Celsius and no parts are still red or bloody. You can cook chicken by boiling it to remove heavy metal content in chicken thighs and breasts.
- Don't store cooked chicken in containers used for raw chicken. Use clean, separate cooking utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wash your hands with soap and running water before and after touching chicken meat. Also wash cooking utensils, such as knives, cutting boards and containers, with soap and hot water after using them for chicken.
- Avoid washing chicken before cooking because it can spread bacteria to other surfaces. If the chicken looks dirty, you can clean it with wet tissue, OK?
So, that's just a myth, Champion Friends. Consuming broiler chicken gaging is not dangerous to health as long as it is handled and processed correctly. You don't need to hesitate anymore, because broiler chicken meat contains protein that is good for the body. But, don't forget to compensate by consuming enough vegetables, fruit and water, OK?
Champion also provides healthy and quality chicken carcasses. Champion friends can get the product here.
Follow Instagram @juaraagroniaga, Tiktok @juara.agroniaga, Facebook is the Champion of Livestock Partners And Youtube championagricommerce for education about other farms. See you in the next article!
Reference:
1. This is the Danger of Eating Broiler Chicken Too Often. URL: https://doktersehat.com/gaya-hidup/gizi-dan-nutrisi/bahaya-daging-ayam-broiler/ (accessed 16/12/2023)
2. The Difference Between Broiler Chickens and Regular Chickens, These Are the Advantages and Dangers. URL: https://www.sehatq.com/artikel/ayam-broiler-aman-dikonsumsi-jika-diolah-dengan-cara-ini (accessed 16/12/2023)
3. Get to know the NKV (Veterinary Control Number), Special Permit for Animal Product Businesses. URL: https://www.kawanhewan.com/post/nkv-nomor-kontrol-veteriner (accessed 16/12/2023)
4. Analysis of the Quality of Broiler Chicken Meat from Supermarkets and Traditional Markets
in Medan City, North Sumatra. URL: https://jurnal.ugm.ac.id/jsv (accessed 16/12/2023)