Here's how to check if your chicken is bad

You do not know if this chicken you bought is always good to eat? Here are the health experts and a chief saying to do.


How many times did you buychicken Breasts, thighs or choppers of the grocery store for a recipe you planned to do that night, but you ended up going take away and tidy raw meat in the depths of your refrigerator? We have all done so and we are not there to judge you. However, there is something you should be aware after deciding to safeguard this pre-cut chicken at a later date, whether it's still fresh. This raises the real question: Do you know if the chicken is bad?

This is important to learn, see about 48 million people, about 1 in 6 american, are ecoeuvous of a food-borne disease each year with 1 million caseshave to do with chicken, according toCenters for Disaster Control and Prevention. Salmonella, the pathogen found in a uncookedeggs and poultryThe second main pathogens to provoke a diet disease acquired in the country (food manufactured in your home). We consulted the head of the head atHellofresh,Claudia Sidoti, For the low mode on how to check if your chicken is always good to eat or if it's time to throw it, but first, we will recap why this can be dangerous.

Why is the raw chicken bad for you?

Several types of bacteria can live with chicken before its cooked.Campylobacter, Salmonella, andClostridium Perfringens May cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting and dehydration. These dangerous bacteria can be transmitted if the chicken is under cooked, but also if the raw chicken is out and comes into contact with cutting boards, counters, utensils or other foods, theCDC says. Store the raw chicken alone is a good idea. In this way, the juices do not come into contact with anything else in your kitchen.

And after the manipulation of refrigerated or frozen raw chicken,You should always wash your hands For at least 20 seconds with soap and lukewarm water to prevent germs propagation.

What are the revealing signs that the raw chicken has become bad?

There are three easy ways that you can check immediately to see if your chicken has reached its maximum before, it is premium once it is stored correctly.

  • First, Sidoti advises looking forA change of color. "The fresh and raw chicken should have a pink and fleshy color. As it starts to go wrong, the color fades to a gray shade. If the color starts to look more dull, you have to use it immediately," says -she. However, once the meat begins to look gray, it's time to throw this chicken.
  • Second, Sidoti says ofTrust your nose. "The raw chicken that has shot with a very powerful smell. Sometimes it can be described as an acid odor. If the chicken has had a smell of any type, it is the safest to throw it," explain-T- she.
  • Third, the chief educatedfeel the meat. It's true, just go there and touch it to determine if it's dangerous to eat. "The raw chicken naturally has an icy and glue texture," she says. However, if the meat is extra icy, it is another indication that could have been wrong.

Is there a way to recover from raw chicken that can have already spoiled?

Basically, if it disappeared, your better bet is simply throwing it.

"It's usually safe to throw it," says Sidoti. "You put yourself at a serious risk of getting sick."

Note: The expiry date can also be labeled as "Sell ​​by"Dated. Make sure you do not buy chicken before the scheduled date to ensure the greatest security.

What about the cooked chicken - about how long does it last in the refrigerator?

"According to the USDA, the cooked chicken stored in the refrigerator is safe to eat for three to four days if it is correctly stored," says Sidoti. "If you want to further expand the shelf life, you can store it in the freezer where it will last about three months. Once stored in the freezer, exit the night before and let it thaw in the fridge."

The big to take away: Do not let this cooked meat in the refrigerator for a week! You can say if the cooked chicken has passed badly if it emerges a rance odor or begins to look gray. Once again, trust your senses.

Related:The best and worst fast chicken sandwiches, according to a dietician

Tips on how to further prevent the raw chicken from going wrong?

There is a simple tip so that your chicken does not spoil quickly: the fresh chicken must be kept cold, so never let you sit on the counter, the table or anywhere that is not refrigerated under 40 Degrees Fahrenheit.

"This will expand its life and prevent the growth of bacteria. According to the USDA, the raw chicken will only keep in the refrigerator for about one to two days," says Sidoti. "If kept in the freezer, it should stay safe to thaw and eat up to nine at 12 months."

And she is right.The US Department of Health and Human Services Said a raw chicken and whole can last so long, but if it is in pieces, it can last one to two days in the refrigerator, but only nine months in the freezer.

Something else to know how to say if the chicken of your fridge is bad?

Sidoti says, "If in doubt, throw it!"

You heard the leader; Prevention is better than cure.

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