Can You Eat Chicken After the Sell By Date?
When it comes to food safety, it’s essential to be aware of the labels and dates on our food products. Among the most confusing and misunderstood labels is the "sell by" date. Many of us have wondered if it’s safe to consume chicken after the sell by date, and the answer is not a simple yes or no. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of the sell by date, whether you can eat chicken after it, and what you should do to ensure food safety.
What is the Sell By Date?
The sell by date is a label you’ll find on many food products, including chicken. It’s not the same as the expiration date or use by date. The sell by date is set by the manufacturer, and it’s meant to indicate the last date the store should sell the product. This date is usually determined based on the product’s quality, freshness, and shelf life.
What’s the Purpose of the Sell By Date?
So, why do we need a sell by date? The purpose is to ensure that customers receive the best possible product. After the sell by date, the product might not be at its peak quality, flavor, or freshness. This is especially true for perishable items like meat, dairy, and eggs. Leaving expired products on the shelf can lead to product contamination, spoilage, and, ultimately, foodborne illnesses.
Is it Safe to Eat Chicken After the Sell By Date?
Now, let’s address the main question: can you eat chicken after the sell by date? In most cases, it’s not recommended. After the sell by date, the chicken may have already entered its deterioration phase, which increases the risk of foodborne illnesses.
According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (), chicken is considered safe to eat until the "use by" or "best if used by" date, whichever is listed. However, the sell by date is not a clear indicator of food safety. Food safety is determined by the storage, handling, and cooking of the chicken.
Factors that Affect Chicken Quality and Safety
Here are some factors that affect the quality and safety of chicken:
• Storage conditions: Chicken exposed to temperatures above 40°F (4°C) or below 10°F (-12°C) can spoil or become contaminated.
• Handling practices: Improper handling, such as mishandling, can lead to cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.
• Cooking methods: Failure to cook chicken to the proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C) can lead to foodborne illnesses.
• Packaging: Damaged packaging or leaky containers can facilitate contamination.
How to Ensure Food Safety
To ensure food safety when buying and consuming chicken, follow these tips:
• Check the packaging: Make sure the packaging is intact, and the contents are properly sealed.
• Buy from reputable sources: Purchase chicken from trusted suppliers, and check their handling and storage practices.
• Follow storage guidelines: Store chicken in a leak-proof bag or airtight container at the bottom of the refrigerator.
• Check the chicken: Examine the chicken for any signs of spoilage, such as an unusual odor, slimy texture, or visible mold.
• Cook safely: Cook chicken to the proper internal temperature, and make sure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
• Refrigerate properly: Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours, and consume it within 3 to 4 days.
Consequences of Eating Expired or Spoiled Chicken
Eating expired or spoiled chicken can lead to serious health issues:
• Foodborne illnesses: Consume contaminated chicken, and you might experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
• Recurring infections: Continuously eating spoiled chicken can increase your risk of recurring infections, such as food poisoning.
• Long-term effects: In rare cases, consuming spoiled or expired chicken can lead to more serious health consequences, such as kidney or liver damage.
Conclusion
While the sell by date is meant to guide food retailers, it’s essential to remember that food safety ultimately depends on storage, handling, and cooking practices. To ensure you’re eating safe and healthy food, always check the packaging, follow proper storage guidelines, and cook chicken to the correct internal temperature.
Table: Sell By Date vs. Expiration Date vs. Use By Date
| Label | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Sell By Date | Last date the store should sell the product | Provides guidance for retailers, not a definitive indicator of food safety |
| Expiration Date | Last date the product is safe for consumption | Critical for ensuring product quality and food safety |
| Use By Date | Last date the product should be used or consumed | Recommends consumption before quality decline, but not necessarily a food safety indicator |
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. If in doubt, it’s best to discard the chicken and choose a fresh and safe alternative.