How long can chicken be kept in the refrigerator?

Chicken is a staple meat in many households. However, this healthy and delicious source of protein is at high risk of bacterial contamination. That is why it is important to prepare, store and cook it properly, otherwise it can become a source of illness.

Storing chicken in the refrigerator is convenient, but many people may wonder how long they can safely refrigerate chicken.

How long does chicken last in the refrigerator?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days. The same goes for raw turkey and other poultry. Cooked chicken, on the other hand, can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Keeping chicken in the refrigerator helps slow the growth of bacteria, as bacteria tend to grow more slowly at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Furthermore, raw chicken is best stored in a leak-proof container to prevent juices from escaping and contaminating other foods. Cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container.

If you need to store chicken for more than a few days, it is best to store it in the freezer. Raw chicken pieces can be stored in the freezer for up to 9 months, while a whole chicken can be frozen for up to 1 year. Cooked chicken can be stored in the freezer for 2-6 months.

If you leave chicken in the refrigerator for more than a few days, chances are it has gone bad.

Some ways to tell if the chicken in your fridge is spoiled

- Expired: Raw and cooked chicken that has passed its expiration date is more likely to have spoiled.

- Color change: Raw and cooked chicken that starts to turn a grayish-green color is spoiled. Gray to green mold spots indicate bacterial growth.

- Smell: Both raw and cooked chicken give off an acidic, ammonia-like smell when it goes bad. However, this smell can be less noticeable if the chicken has been marinated in sauces, herbs, or spices.

- Texture: Chicken with a slimy texture has gone bad. Washing chicken will not kill bacteria and can spread bacteria from the poultry to other foods, utensils and surfaces, causing cross-contamination.

If you suspect that chicken in your refrigerator has spoiled, throw it away.

The risks of eating spoiled chicken

Eating spoiled chicken can cause foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning. Chicken is at high risk of causing food poisoning because it can be contaminated with bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, etc. Normally, these bacteria are eliminated by thoroughly cooking fresh chicken.

However, you should still avoid cooking and eating spoiled chicken. While reheating or reheating can kill bacteria on the surface, it won’t eliminate some of the toxins produced by the bacteria, and can also cause food poisoning if you eat them.

In some cases, severe food poisoning can result in hospitalization or even death. If you suspect that your chicken is spoiled, do not eat it, and it is best to throw it away.

According to VTC