How Far Past the Sell By Date Can You Safely Eat Chicken?
Chicken is one of the most popular proteins worldwide, but it also spoils quickly if not handled properly Many consumers get confused about how long chicken lasts after the sell by date printed on the package Can you still use chicken safely if it’s past the sell by date? Let’s find out.
What Does the Sell By Date Mean?
The sell by date is not an expiration date or safety date. It is the last date stores are supposed to display the product for sale. The sell by date allows retailers to manage stock rotation and ensure quality.
According to the USDA, consumers can still use chicken for 1-2 days after the sell by date, as long as it was properly refrigerated at 40°F or below But remember, the sell by date is not the definitive guide for safety You still need to rely on your senses and proper storage guidelines.
How Can You Tell If Chicken Has Gone Bad?
Don’t solely depend on the sell by date to determine if your chicken is still usable. Look for these signs of spoilage in raw chicken:
-
Change in color – Raw chicken should be pale pink. If it has turned gray, green or yellow, it has spoiled.
-
Slimy texture – Fresh chicken has a glossy look. If it feels sticky, slimy or tacky, it is spoiled.
-
Foul odor – Raw chicken has a mild odor. If it smells unpleasant or sour, it has gone bad.
-
Mold growth – This is an obvious sign of spoilage. Discard moldy chicken.
If you notice any of these characteristics, do not risk eating the chicken. When unsure, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Follow Proper Storage
To maximize the shelf life of raw chicken, proper storage is crucial. Here are some tips:
-
Store chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator, at 40°F or below.
-
Keep it in its original packaging until you are ready to use it. Reseal packages properly after opening.
-
If repackaging chicken, use moisture-proof packing like zip top bags or airtight containers.
-
Don’t overcrowd the fridge. Allow for airflow around packages.
-
Separate raw chicken from other foods, especially produce.
-
Use chicken within 1-2 days of the sell by date for safety and quality.
-
Freeze chicken if you can’t use it in time. It will last 9 months in the freezer.
Factors Affecting How Long Chicken Lasts
Several factors impact how long chicken stays fresh and retains quality after the sell by date:
Storage Temperature
Proper refrigeration is key. Chicken spoils faster between 40°F and 140°F when bacteria multiply rapidly.
Product Quality
High-quality chicken stored at optimal temperatures lasts longer. Check for signs of spoilage when purchasing.
Packaging
Chicken in intact, well-sealed packaging keeps longer. If packaging is torn, don’t purchase it.
Freezer Storage
Frozen chicken typically lasts up to 9 months if stored continuously at 0°F or below.
Cooking Method
Cooked chicken doesn’t last as long as raw. Store cooked chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions consumers have about the sell by date and chicken safety:
How many days after the sell by date is chicken still good?
The USDA says you can safely use chicken 1-2 days past the sell by date if it has been refrigerated properly at 40°F or below.
Can I freeze chicken after the sell by date?
Yes, you can safely freeze raw chicken before or right at the sell by date for optimal quality. Frozen properly, it lasts up to 9 months.
Is it safe to eat cooked chicken 1 week after the sell by date?
No. Cooked chicken only lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Do not eat cooked chicken more than 4 days after cooking.
What if frozen chicken has ice crystals on it?
A few ice crystals are normal for frozen products. But if the chicken is discolored or has large ice chunks, it may be damaged from freezer burn. It’s best not to eat it.
Can I cook and eat chicken that smells a bit off?
No. Any unpleasant or foul odor indicates spoilage. Do not risk eating chicken that smells bad or questionable.
What if the sell by date passed but the chicken looks and smells fine?
It may still be fine if it has been continuously refrigerated at 40°F or below. But it’s impossible to tell just by look and smell alone. For safety, it’s best to discard it.
Is it safe to consume raw chicken past the sell by date?
Absolutely not. Only cook thoroughly before eating. Consuming raw chicken comes with risks of food poisoning.
The sell by date is meant to indicate peak freshness, not safety. You cannot rely on it alone to determine if chicken is still usable. Always inspect for signs of spoilage and adhere to safe storage guidelines. When in doubt, remember it’s better to throw it out than risk getting sick from bad chicken.
How long is cooked chicken good for in the fridge?
Cooked chicken has a far lower likelihood of developing bacteria but it can still make you sick if you wait too long to eat it, even if it has been stored in the fridge. The USDA recommends you eat chicken within four days of cooking it. Like raw chicken, it should also be stored at under 40 degrees F to avoid rapid spoiling.
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?
The USDA recommends cooking chicken one or two days after you buy it. If that seems conservative and sooner than the sell-by date on the package, thats because it is — but theres a reason for that. The sell-by, use-by or freeze-by date may be as long as a week from when you bought it, but thats just the chicken producers guess as to how long the chicken will be at optimal taste before it starts deteriorating in quality.
As many in this Reddit thread and others assert, you can probably split the difference without serious ramifications, but you should never eat chicken thats been in the fridge for more than three or four days. The reason why chicken isnt necessarily safe to eat until that sell-by date is two-fold:
For one, that date isnt issued by a regulating body, but rather by the brand. While poultry brands do have to consider consumer safety, their chief goal is enticing retailers to buy their product. The longer its “good for,” the better chance theyll have of making a larger sale.
The other reason is that grocery store meat fridges and coolers are usually colder than your average home refrigerators. A normal fridge has to keep meat cold without freezing delicate vegetables and other groceries. Supermarket meat coolers only need to keep meat cold, so they can be at lower resting temperatures. Chicken kept at a colder temperature is naturally going to last longer.
How Long Is Chicken Good After Sell By Date? GUIDE
FAQ
How long is chicken good for after the sell-by date?
Can I eat chicken 4 days after the sell-by date on Reddit?
It should be fine by the sell by date. That being said, if you open it then and it’s really sticky and/or smells funky, throw it away immediately.
How far past a sell-by date can you use chicken?
Sell by – This creates an easy date for the retailer to know when the product has to be removed from their shelf and disposed of instead of being sold. In general, consumers have one to three days to use that meat product if it is fresh before there would be concern from a safety standpoint.
Is it safe to eat chicken after the sale by date?
It’s generally not safe to eat raw chicken that is past its expiration date, even by just one day. The expiration date is there to ensure food safety, and consuming chicken that is past this date can pose a risk of foodborne illness due to bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter.