Morrisons' value chicken

[dimity_blue]

I asked Elaine to pick up some cooked chicken for me (for the cats) on her way here tonight. She did, and got Morrisons' own brand cooked value chicken. I started giving some to the cats, but it felt half frozen. I'd already checked the front of the pack and it *said* cooked chicken in large letters. I went back and re-read it, and it had cooking instructions (spread out on a baking tray, cook for 8 minutes) and said to ensure the product is piping hot before serving.

Which doesn't sound like cooked chicken to me!

It also said that although the product has been previously frozen, it's suitable for home freezing. o.O

Suffice it to say, it's gone in the bin, and now I'm worried about the cats as they had some of it. They're disappointed they're not getting more of it, but it doesn't sound safe to me.

Has anyone had this stuff before? Got any advice?

Comments

[tx-cronopio.livejournal.com]

If it said to cook for 8 minutes, then it was already cooked. That's a reheating instruction. I think you overreacted. I'd go fish it out of the bin :)

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

It sounds like it's cooked and they want you to reheat it... but I don't like the sound of it being frozen once before, but it's okay to freeze it again. Eh? Morrisons can be odd though... *g*

[karieflybabe.livejournal.com]

I was thinking the same thing. In order to actually COOK something like that would take more than 45 minutes, not a measly 8. Let the kitties have their chicken with a clear conscience, Momma.

[dimity-blue.livejournal.com]

That's what I first thought, but that "ensure product is piping hot throughout before serving" means it's not thoroughly cooked, doesn't it? Either way, I'm not risking giving it to the cats. Not after the umpteen hundred vet bill I ended up with last time!

[dimity-blue.livejournal.com]

It's really put me off the idea of giving it to the cats. So far as I've always known, you can't refreeze a defrosted item.

[tx-cronopio.livejournal.com]

That's marketing speak. Do what you will, but it would be fine to give to the kitties, or to eat yourself.

[dimity-blue.livejournal.com]

Maybe I am over-reacting...but although it says 'cooked chicken', it doesn't say 'suitable for eating/eat hot or cold' or anything like that, just to heat it and ensure it's piping hot throughout before serving. I know 8 minutes isn't enough to cook something but... ::eyes the last vet bill she got:: It's really put me off.

[dimity-blue.livejournal.com]

LOL! Okay, that would lead to food poisoning as I've been vegetarian for 18 years or so! I'll wait a bit and see if the cats are okay, then think again.

Thanks though. :oD

[tx-cronopio.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I forgot! Here, see, you get my okra icon as obeisance.

[bumpkin-is.livejournal.com]

Honestly I am not sure that cats get salmonella, which is what I think is what they wanted to avoid with the heating all the way thru for the 8 min... but as you said with your recent scare and all, no need to risk it.

I guess that is something I should look up - what the critters (personally have two cats and a dog) can and cannot be affected by in regards to food bacteria.

[dimity-blue.livejournal.com]

It just seems weird to me. If it's already cooked, why ensure it's piping hot? And if it's already been frozen, how can it be suitable for home freezing?

I think snailbones had it right when she said Morrisons can be odd!

[andeincascade.livejournal.com]

It's not inherently dangerous to refreeze an item but you will lose food quality - taste, texture, etc - with repeated refreezings. A lot of meat and seafood is frozen before shipping then sold thawed and then people go home and freeze it themselvesat home.

[emrinalexander.livejournal.com]

You kitties are carnivores who would be happily downing totally raw meat in the wild, so I don't think what they had will hurt them.

[roslynsmuse.livejournal.com]

When in doubt, throw it out. Why worry? Worry is verrry expensive :-)

[dimity-blue.livejournal.com]

Heh, so true! My kitties were not impressed, but I made it up to them the next day by giving them chicken. :oD

[dimity-blue.livejournal.com]

I never knew that. I've always been told that you can't refreeze a previously defrosted item. Weird, huh?