Here's the thing: when you walk down the poultry aisle at your local grocery store, you might not think twice about picking up that package of chicken. But let me break this down for you—salmonella, a nasty little bacteria, is more widespread in grocery store chicken than many of us realize. A report revealed that major retailers like Costco often exceed federal safety limits for salmonella, which can lead to serious health issues for you and your family [1][21]. You might be wondering why this is happening. Well, the USDA lacks the authority to enforce strict salmonella standards, meaning they can only note violations without taking much action [21]. Interestingly enough, the classification of salmonella makes it difficult for regulators to impose tougher controls. In fact, when the government upgraded E. coli to a more serious category, we saw more recalls and fewer illnesses. Why isn’t salmonella treated the same way? It’s a question worth pondering, especially when it comes to your health and safety [3][21]. Many people ask, 'What can I do about this?' It’s natural to feel a bit anxious about food safety. While you can’t control what comes from the store, you can take steps at home to minimize your risk. Cooking chicken to the right temperature, avoiding cross-contamination, and keeping your kitchen clean are all effective strategies [2][21]. Remember, knowledge is power, and being informed about these risks is the first step in keeping your family safe.