Is Expired Chicken Safe to Eat? How Long After the Sell-By Date You Can Still Consume It

How Long After the Sell-By Date is Chicken Good?

When it comes to chicken, it's always best to err on the side of caution. Eating spoiled chicken can cause serious health problems, including food poisoning. However, there are times when you may wonder if you can still eat chicken that has passed its sell-by date. In this article, we'll answer the question, "How Long After the Sell-By Date is Chicken Good?" and give you tips on how to properly store chicken to keep it safe to eat.

Table of Contents

• What is the Sell-By Date?
• How Long After the Sell-By Date is Chicken Safe to Eat?
• Signs that Chicken Has Gone Bad
• Proper Storage of Chicken
• Refrigeration
• Freezing
• Thawing
• How to Tell if Chicken is Fully Cooked
• Chicken Safety Tips
• How to Reduce Food Waste
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is the Sell-By Date?

The sell-by date is the date that the grocery store must sell the chicken by. This date is usually a few days before the expiration date. It's important to note that the sell-by date is not the same as the expiration date. The expiration date is the date that the chicken is no longer safe to eat. The sell-by date is simply a guide for the grocery store to know how long they can display the chicken for sale.

How Long After the Sell-By Date is Chicken Safe to Eat?

In general, it's best to consume chicken before the sell-by date has passed. It's important to note that the USDA's guidelines are just recommendations and not absolute rules. Factors such as storage conditions and proper handling can affect the safety of the chicken. Therefore, it's essential to use your own judgement when determining whether or not to consume chicken that has passed its sell-by date. To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, follow proper storage and cooking guidelines, including keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, using the original packaging until ready to use, and tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil if not using within a few days.

It is of utmost importance to acknowledge that the guidelines outlined by the USDA are simply that: guidelines. They are by no means immutable and there exists a plethora of variables that have the potential to impede the safety of the chicken. Take for instance the scenario where the chicken has been improperly stored; it may spoil more expeditiously than anticipated. Consequently, it would be prudent to exercise discernment when deciding whether to partake of chicken that has exceeded its sell-by date.

Signs that Chicken Has Gone Bad

If you're not sure if chicken is still safe to eat, look for these signs of spoilage:

• Foul odor: If the chicken smells bad, like rotten eggs or sulfur, it's gone bad and should be discarded.
• Slimy texture: If the chicken feels slimy or tacky to the touch, it's gone bad and should be discarded.
• Discoloration: If the chicken has developed a gray or green tint, it's gone bad and should be discarded.
• Mold: If there is any mold on the chicken, it's gone bad and should be discarded.

Proper Storage of Chicken

Proper storage is key to keeping chicken safe to eat. Here are some tips for storing chicken:

Refrigeration

Store chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, which is usually the back of the bottom shelf.
Keep the chicken in its original packaging until you're ready to use it.
If you're not going to use the chicken within a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Freezing

If you're not going to use the chicken within a few days, you can freeze it to extend its shelf life.
Freeze chicken in its original packaging or in a freezer-safe container.
Chicken can be frozen for up to six months.

Thawing

When it's time to use frozen chicken, it's important to thaw it safely. Here are some tips for thawing chicken:

• Thaw chicken in the refrigerator, not on the counter. This will prevent bacteria from growing on the chicken.
• Allow about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of chicken to thaw in the refrigerator.
• If you're in a hurry, you can thaw chicken in cold water. Place the chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is thawed.

How to Tell if Chicken is Fully Cooked

To ensure that chicken is safe to eat, it's important to cook it to the proper temperature. The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F. Here are some tips for cooking chicken:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
• Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch bone.
• If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check if the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear and there should be no pink or red meat.

Chicken Safety Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when handling and preparing chicken:

• Always wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken.
• Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for raw chicken and other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
• Don't rinse chicken before cooking it. This can spread bacteria around your kitchen.
• Cook chicken to the proper temperature to ensure that it's safe to eat.

How to Reduce Food Waste

Throwing away food is not only wasteful, but it's also bad for the environment. Here are some tips for reducing food waste when it comes to chicken:

• Plan your meals ahead of time so you only buy the amount of chicken you need.
• Use leftover chicken in soups, stews, or salads.
• Freeze leftover chicken for later use.
• If you have chicken that is about to go bad, cook it and freeze it for later use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's always best to consume chicken before the sell-by date has passed. However, if the chicken has been properly stored and there are no signs of spoilage, it may still be safe to eat for a few days after the sell-by date. Always use your own judgement when determining whether or not to consume chicken that has passed its sell-by date, and follow proper storage and cooking guidelines to ensure that the chicken is safe to eat.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat chicken that is a day or two past its sell-by date?

If the chicken has been properly stored and there are no signs of spoilage, it may still be safe to eat for a day or two after the sell-by date.

Can you eat chicken if it smells bad?

No, if the chicken smells bad, like rotten eggs or sulfur, it's gone bad and should be discarded.

Can you freeze chicken after it has been cooked?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken for later use.

How long can you keep cooked chicken in the refrigerator?

Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

What is the proper internal temperature for cooked chicken?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 165°F.

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