How to Know if Chicken is Bad

Chicken is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It’s versatile, delicious, and packed with protein. However, chicken can also pose a risk for foodborne illnesses if not handled and prepared properly. One of the biggest challenges when it comes to chicken is knowing how to recognize whether it’s still safe to eat or not. In this article, we’ll explore how to know if chicken is bad and provide tips on how to safely handle and prepare chicken to prevent foodborne illness.

Identifying the Expiry Date

One of the easiest ways to determine whether chicken is still good to eat is to check the expiry or “best before” date on the packaging. This date indicates the last day that the chicken should be considered safe to consume. Make sure to check the date before purchasing chicken from the grocery store or if you have chicken in your refrigerator or freezer.

When locating and reading the date on the packaging, take note of whether it says “use by” or “best before”. “Use by” means that the chicken should not be consumed after that date, whereas “best before” indicates that the chicken may still be safe to eat after that date, but the quality may not be optimal. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not consume chicken past the expiry date.

Recognizing Visual Cues

Visual cues, such as color, texture, and odor, can also provide insight into whether chicken is still safe to eat. A normal and fresh chicken should have pink flesh with no gray or green tinge. The flesh should also have a slightly firm texture and no noticeable odor. If the chicken appears discolored, slimy, or has a foul smell, it’s likely that it’s gone bad and should not be consumed.

When purchasing or preparing chicken, make sure to inspect it carefully for any signs of spoilage. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it and not take any chances with your health.

The Importance of Proper Storage

Proper storage plays a crucial role in preventing foodborne illnesses. When it comes to fresh chicken, it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) and consumed within two days. If you won’t be using the chicken within that time frame, it should be frozen instead to extend its shelf life.

Cooked chicken should also be stored properly. It should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to four months.

When handling chicken, make sure to keep it separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils, and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling chicken to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

Cooking Chicken to a Safe Temperature

Cooking chicken to a safe temperature is critical in ensuring that it’s safe to eat. The minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken should be 165°F (74°C). To ensure that your chicken has reached this temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

When cooking chicken, make sure to cook it all the way through and avoid partially cooking it. Thoroughly cooking chicken will help kill any harmful bacteria that may be present and ensure that it’s safe to consume.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination can happen when harmful bacteria from raw chicken comes into contact with other foods or surfaces. To avoid cross-contamination, it’s important to handle chicken separately from other foods. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and kitchen surfaces for chicken, and make sure to clean and sanitize these items thoroughly after use.

When preparing chicken, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling it. Avoid touching other surfaces or foods until you have washed your hands to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

Conclusion

In summary, knowing how to recognize bad chicken and safely handle and prepare it is essential in preventing foodborne illnesses. By checking the expiry or “best before” date, recognizing visual cues, properly storing and handling chicken, cooking it to a safe temperature, and avoiding cross-contamination, you can ensure that your chicken is safe to eat and enjoy.

By following these tips, you can safely include chicken in your diet and enjoy its many benefits without putting your health at risk.