FAQ Questions and Answers

Prime™ Naturally* Products
Where can I buy Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chicken products?
Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* products are available at major grocer retailers across Canada. Look for our cuts in the fresh meat section of the store. For specific locations in your area, please contact our consumer response line at 1-800-268-3708.
What exactly is in the vegetable-grain feed that Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chickens eat?
Our chickens are raised on a proprietary blend of vegetables, grains, and soy containing NO ANIMAL BY-PROUCTS called Nutriprime. It was developed by Shur-Gain, an independent operating company of Maple Leaf Foods. The main ingredients in Nutriprime feed are corn, soybean, wheat, and canola. You can be sure that all Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chicken products are raised on this feed.
What is the difference between grain fed and vegetable grain fed?
All chickens are fed grain based diets. The difference is that Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chickens have been raised on a proprietary feed that is vegetable grain containing no animal by-products.
Is there MSG in Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chicken products?
Our non-seasoned fresh products do not contain MSG. However, Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* Caesar Marinated chicken breast is the only product we produce that contains MSG. Consumers should refer to the package label for a complete list of ingredients to help them make informed food choices.
Is there soy in Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chicken products?
Soy is one of the ingredients used in the 100% all vegetable grain with no animal by-products Nutriprime feed that Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chickens are fed. Soy proteins are broken down and digested by the chicken and there is no presence when the chicken is processed and eaten. Some Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* products with seasoning or marinades may contain soy. Consumers should refer to the package label for a complete list of ingredients to help them make informed food choices.
Does Maple Leaf Poultry use hormones to grow their chickens?
Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chickens are not raised with growth enhancing hormones. This use of growth hormones in raising poultry is banned under Canadian food safety regulations.
Does Maple Leaf Poultry use antibiotics in the raising of their chickens?
The use of antibiotics is strictly controlled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Veterinarians. Any use of antibiotics must be withdrawn from feed a specified number of days before the poultry is sent for processing to ensure there are no residues present in the processed meat. The Federal government has a comprehensive testing program in place to ensure compliance with the standards governing the presence of antibiotics in food supply. Maple Leaf Poultry also actively augments this program with our own monitoring of residue levels in incoming flocks.
What part of the chicken is used to produce lean ground chicken?
Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* lean ground chicken is produced from boneless skinless leg meat.
Are there government inspectors at Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* facilities?
Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chicken is produced at one of Maple Leaf Poultry's four federally registered and inspected facilities that operate under the highest standards for food safety in Canada. In keeping with government regulations, federal inspectors and a veterinarian are present during processing as well as our own quality assurance staff ensuring we deliver the highest standard of food safety assurance and deliver on our We Take Care™ promise to provide you with safe and wholesome products.
Why is the skin of Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* whole chickens buttery yellow in colour?
The buttery yellow appearance of the skin on our Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chickens indicates that the protective layer of skin has been left in place, sealing in the natural juices during cooking. This is part of our unique Flav-R-Lok™ system, which preserves the natural taste of the chicken.
What is the Flav-R-Lok™ process?
Flav-R-Lok™ is Maple Leaf Poultry's secret method of preserving the natural flavour of the chicken during processing. This ensures that you are getting tender and juicy products your whole family will love.
Where can I learn more about the Maple Leaf We Take Care™ promise?
For more information on Maple Leaf's We Take Care™ promise and commitment to safety, please click here.
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Safety/Handling
Is it true that you should only keep fresh chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days?
Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chicken is packed in a tray and labeled at the plant within hours of processing ensuring we can supply the freshest chicken possible to our consumers, with an accurate best before date. Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chicken goes through an air chill process rather than the traditional water chill process resulting in a longer shelf life and a better tasting product. The shelf life of our chicken is also improved by our strict temperature controls. You should not consume chicken products after the stated best before date on the package label.
How long can you keep chicken in the freezer?
Uncooked chicken can be kept in the freezer for up to 12 months. Cooked meat should only be kept in the freezer for 3 months in order to maintain flavour and quality.
Where can I learn more about Salmonella and Avian Influenza?
For more information on these and other diseases and on food safety please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
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Cooking/Preparation
Does Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally*, air-chilled chicken, cook faster than water chilled chicken?
When properly prepared, Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* air chilled chicken cooks faster than water chilled chicken. Remember you should always check the internal temperatures of the chicken to ensure that it is fully cooked.
How do you check if the chicken has been properly cooked?
A meat thermometer is the best method of checking if the chicken is done. Insert the thermometer into the meatiest part of the chicken and read the temperatures. (Click here to see suggested temperature chart.)

A visual check is another method to help determine if the chicken is ready. Pierce the chicken with a fork. You should be able to insert the fork with ease. All the chicken juices should be clear (no sign of blood). Remember chicken should always be well done.
I cooked my chicken to the suggested temperature but my chicken is still pink. Is it safe to eat?
If the juices of the chicken run clear (no sign of blood), the chicken is properly cooked. There may be a slight pink colour on the inside of the thigh. This is normal since the meat in this area is darker. If you wish to further cook the product without spoiling flavour or texture, additional cooking of cut pieces can be placed in the microwave for a few minutes.
What is wrong with overcooking chicken to be "safe"?
Overcooking will reduce the eating enjoyment of the product by cooking out the desired amount of moisture and fat. Properly cooked Maple Leaf Prime™ Naturally* chicken is tender and moist, not firm and dry.
How should I thaw frozen uncooked chicken?
Uncooked chicken can be thawed in the refrigerator or in cold water. Never thaw chicken at room temperature. If thawing in cold water, remember to change the water often to keep it cold. For quick thawing of uncooked or cooked chicken, use the microwave. Utilize the defrost or medium-low setting. The amount of time necessary will vary according to the size and weight of the chicken. Remember to turn the chicken and separate the parts as they thaw, watching that the chicken does not begin to cook.
When should you apply basting sauce to the chicken?
Basting sauce should be applied during the last 10-20 minutes of cooking, especially if the sauce is tomato based or contains sugar. This locks flavour in and prevents over-browning.
How long should you marinate chicken prior to cooking?
Chicken absorbs flavour quickly, so it depends on how strong a flavour you wish to add. You can marinate anywhere from a half-hour to several hours or overnight. Use a glass or non-metallic bowl or sealed plastic bag. Remember to turn the chicken several times to ensure it is evenly marinated. If using a sauce instead of a marinade, coat the chicken within a half-hour of cooking. Sauces should be reapplied while cooking based on preference to ensure best results. Remember, chicken should be kept chilled in the fridge while marinating in order to preserve freshness.
Should I let my chicken sit after applying rub-on seasonings?
To get the full flavouring effect of the seasoning it is a good idea. Thirty minutes in the refrigerator is sufficient or it can sit overnight if preferred.
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Industry Specific
What are the major differences between air chilling and water chilling?
In order to preserve chicken during processing it is necessary to chill the products. Air chilling results in a fresher tasting and more flavourful product. Also, the elimination of water from the traditional chilling process has reduced the amount of wastewater from processing and lessened the chance of food contamination during the process.
Where can I find more information on the poultry industry?
For more information on the Canadian poultry processing sector please visit the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council.

For more information on the poultry industry in Canada please visit the Chicken Farmers of Canada.
Where can I find more information about Canadian Food Safety Standards?
For more information on Canadian Food Safety Standards please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, or visit the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education website for more information on food safety in general.
Where can I find more information on animal raising practices?
For more information on animal raising practices please visit the Chicken Farmers of Canada web site.
Where can I find more information on healthy eating and balanced diets?
For more information on healthy eating and a balanced diet please visit the Health Canada website.
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* Canada's leading brand of chicken.