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How to Tell If Chicken Is Bad: Signs of Spoilage and Safety Tips

How-to-Tell-If-Chicken-Is-Bad

How to Tell If Raw Chicken Is Bad

Raw chicken is a staple ingredient in many recipes, but it's important to know how to tell if it has gone bad to avoid foodborne illness. Here are some signs to look out for:

Appearance

Fresh raw chicken should have a glossy appearance, with a pink or light yellow color. If the chicken has a gray or green tinge, or if there is any discoloration or mold, it is not safe to eat.

Smell

Fresh raw chicken should have little to no odor. If it has a pungent or foul smell, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded.

Texture

Fresh raw chicken should feel moist and firm, with a smooth texture. If it feels slimy, sticky, or tacky, it has likely gone bad and should not be consumed.

Color

Fresh raw chicken should have a pink or light yellow color. If the chicken is gray or has an off-color, it is not safe to eat.

Other Signs

If the chicken has a sour or foul taste, or if it feels rough or dry, it has likely gone bad. Additionally, if the chicken has a sticky or slippery texture, it may be an indication of spoilage.

If you are not sure if your chicken is safe to eat, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll-free at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) for guidance. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety.

How to Tell If Cooked Chicken Is Bad

Cooked chicken is a delicious and healthy source of protein, but it can be dangerous to consume if it has gone bad. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your cooked chicken is safe to eat.

Appearance

One of the easiest ways to tell if cooked chicken has gone bad is by its appearance. If the chicken has a yellow, gray, or green tint, it may be spoiled. Discoloration can also occur in patches or spots. Fresh chicken should have a glossy appearance, while spoiled chicken may look dull or rough.

Smell

Cooked chicken that smells bad is a sure sign that it has gone bad. A pungent or foul smell may indicate the presence of bacteria or spoilage. A sour or sulfurous odor, similar to rotten eggs, is also a sign that the chicken is no longer fresh.

Texture

Cooked chicken that has gone bad may feel slimy, sticky, or tacky to the touch. Fresh chicken should be moist and slightly firm. If the chicken feels dry or rough, it may be past its prime.

Taste

If your cooked chicken has a foul taste or an off flavor, it may be spoiled. Safe chicken should taste fresh and flavorful. If you're not sure whether your chicken is safe to eat, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

Leftovers

Leftover chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within three to four days. If the chicken smells bad or has a change in color, it's best to throw it out. Deep-frying, roasting, or seasoning with salt and pepper can help mask the taste of spoiled chicken, but it's still not safe to eat.

If you're still not sure whether your cooked chicken is safe to eat, you can contact the USDA's toll-free Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 for assistance. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to avoiding foodborne illness.

How Long Is Thawed Chicken Good For

Thawed chicken is safe to eat as long as it has been stored properly. The USDA recommends using thawed chicken within 1-2 days of thawing in the refrigerator. This ensures that the chicken stays fresh and does not spoil, causing foodborne illness.

If you are not sure if the chicken is still good, check the appearance, smell, and texture. Fresh chicken should have a glossy appearance, be moist but not slimy, and have a firm texture. If the chicken has a foul smell, is slimy, or has a rough texture, it may have gone bad and should be discarded.

It is important to note that the expiration date on raw chicken is a guideline for peak quality, not safety. Always use your senses to determine if the chicken is still good to eat.

If you are planning to freeze thawed chicken, it should be done immediately after thawing and stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to six months in the freezer.

If you have any doubts about the safety of eating chicken, contact the toll-free Meat and Poultry Hotline for advice from knowledgeable professionals.

How Long Is Chicken Good After The Sell By Date

Determining how long chicken is good after the sell-by date can be tricky. The sell-by date is a recommendation from the manufacturer for peak quality, but it doesn't necessarily mean the chicken is unsafe to eat after that date.

If the chicken has been stored properly in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F, it can be safe to eat for up to 4 days after the sell-by date. However, if the chicken has an off smell, slimy texture, or a grayish color, it may have gone bad and should be discarded.

Raw chicken can also be frozen for up to 9 months, but it's important to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

It's important to follow safe food handling practices to prevent foodborne illness. Always wash your hands before and after handling chicken, cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer promptly after purchase or cooking.

If you're not sure if your chicken is safe to eat, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll-free at 1-888-674-6854 for expert advice.

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