A delivery of poultry should be rejected if it shows which characteristic?

A delivery of poultry should be rejected if it shows stickiness under the wings. This characteristic often indicates potential spoilage or contamination. In fresh poultry, a sticky or tacky texture can suggest that the product has started to degrade or that improper handling or storage conditions may have allowed bacterial growth. Additionally, the presence of stickiness under the wings may point to the bird being improperly processed, leading to a negative impact on food safety and quality.

While a foul smell and excessive ice buildup can also indicate spoiled or mishandled poultry, stickiness under the wings is a more immediate and specific sign of degradation that directly relates to the safety of the product. Light color, on the other hand, may not be a definitive indicator of poultry quality or freshness, as color can vary based on the age of the bird and its diet.