What action should be taken if chicken still does not reach 165°F after multiple attempts?

The recommended action when chicken does not reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F after multiple attempts is to discard the chicken and continue checking other pieces. This is critical for food safety, as consuming undercooked chicken can lead to serious health risks, including foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. By discarding the chicken that has not reached the appropriate temperature, you ensure that customers receive only safe and properly cooked food.

This decision underscores the importance of adhering to established food safety protocols that protect both the customer and the establishment's reputation. Ensuring that all served chicken is cooked correctly helps maintain the high standards for quality and safety expected at Chick-fil-A. Methods such as cooling down and re-cooking could potentially expose the chicken to unsafe temperatures, while setting it aside or serving it undercooked could compromise customer health and satisfaction.