How can You tell if chicken is spoiled?

How Can You Tell If Chicken is Spoiled?

Buying chicken can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure if it’s fresh and safe to eat. With millions of tons of chicken consumed worldwide every year, it’s crucial to identify signs of spoilage to avoid foodborne illnesses. In this article, we’ll guide you through the telltale signs to determine if chicken has gone bad.

Visual Inspection

The first step in determining if chicken is spoiled is to visually inspect it. Look for visible signs of spoilage:

• Off smell: Fresh chicken should have a mild, clean scent. If it smells sour, acidic, or like ammonia, it may be spoiled.
• Slimy texture: If the chicken is sticky or slimy, it may be past its prime.
• Mold or white film: Check for visible mold growth or a white, slimy film on the surface of the chicken.

Smell and Touch

Check the Packaging

If the chicken comes packaged in a container, such as a box or plastic wrap, make sure:

• Packages are unopened: Check that the package is intact and unopened.
• Expiry date is not past: Verify the ‘Use By’ or ‘Sell By’ date has not expired.

Examine the Color

Color Changes: Chicken can undergo color changes when it goes bad:

• Blood spots or discoloration: Check for abnormal blood spots or discoloration on the meat.
• Off-green or greyish color: Avoid chicken with an off-green or greyish tint.

Texture

Feel the Texture

When checking the texture of the chicken:

• Firm to touch: Fresh chicken should be firm to the touch.
• Soft or mushy: If it’s soft or mushy, it may be spoiled.

Fresh vs. Frozen

Important Differences

Key differences exist between fresh and frozen chicken:

Cooking and Safety

Cooking is Not Enough

Even if you cook chicken, it may not eliminate all bacteria:

• Listeria : Can survive cooking and grow at low temperatures.
• Campylobacter : Can persist even when cooked to 165°F (74°C).

Final Checklist

Confirm the Chicken’s Safety

Before consuming chicken:

1. Check for visible signs of spoilage (smell, touch, color, and texture).
2. Verify the ‘Use By’ or ‘Sell By’ date has not expired.
3. Confirm it was stored at the correct temperature.
4. Cook the chicken thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

By following these steps, you can effectively identify spoiled chicken and ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.

Remember, it’s crucial to handle and store chicken correctly to prevent spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Always prioritize your health and well-being by inspecting chicken thoroughly and adhering to proper food safety guidelines.

Stay informed and happy cooking!