How should chicken be handled prior to storage?

Because it is dipped and rinsed during processing, fresh chicken contains a lot of water, which may or may not harbor salmonella or campylobacter. Accordingly, proper handling begins in the supermarket. Because leakage is common, packages should be put in plastic bags or separated from other parcels to prevent cross-contamination.
 
Once it arrives home, poultry of any kind should be refrigerated immediately.
 
Sources:
ConsumerReports.org "Dirty Birds"