is it still good to use? I was going to use it last night but we didn't eat at home so I saved it for tonight. Am I safe or is it a no go and I need to toss it?
2006-11-17 10:30:59 · 19 answers · asked by cream 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
As everyone is trying to state, give it the smell test. It comes down to your comfort level and how you are going to prepare it. If you plan on slow cooking a dish in a crock pot then I say go get fresh chicken.
As far as bacteria, you risk it everytime with any poultry you handle, the vast majority of the time it is your counters, knives, faucet handles you touch with poultry on your hands that spread the bacteria
Defrosting chicken in the refridgerator is the best method, so you are pretty safe.
As far as dates go, I have brought home meats well before any "use-by-date" and had them smell foul (no pun intended) that very day.
2006-11-17 10:43:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The expiration date on most things is just an arbitrary date that it should be good UNTIL then....it will usually keep well PAST that date if it has been properly refrigerated.
Is it still good? Probably, but to be sure, give it the sniff test. When food begins to spoil, it definitely gives off a spoiled oder. If it doesn't "stink", it's still good.
E coli or Salmonella?? Freshness has nothing to do with those. If it has either of those NOW, it had them on it's first day of packaging....They don't just happen!
2006-11-17 10:35:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say try this...remove it from the packaging and rinse it well under cold running water. Let it drain for a minute and then smell it. If it looks/smells ok, then it's probably ok. If it smells or even looks "off/bad"
then just toss it. Why take chances on getting sick over a $5 pkg. of chicken?
2006-11-17 10:35:11 · answer #3 · answered by punchie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smell it, if it has any foul odor, trash it. As long as it has not been thawed for to long it should be ok. Cook well. I buy meats on the day they expire because they are cheaper, but I cook them right away after thawing. If you don't cook it tonight thrash it.
2006-11-17 10:34:11 · answer #4 · answered by firelady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be fine as long as it was frozen. Most likely the date is just a sell by date. Markets just use extra precaution. I have cooked chicken that was frozen up to 6 months after the sell by date and it was fine.
2016-05-21 23:39:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long was it frozen? If it was more than 6 months, I'd toss it.
If it was less than that, if it was frozen solid all this time, if you defrosted it in the refrigerator & if it smells OK, then cook it soon. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly.
2006-11-17 10:42:35 · answer #6 · answered by WillyC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it still pretty cold or completely thawed? Smell it...if it smells okay then rinse it well before cooking, and cook it COMPLETELY...
You're probably okay...the expiration date is the last day they can sell it...not the last day it's good to eat...
2006-11-17 10:51:32 · answer #7 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toss, chicken is a sensitive type of meat. Dont risk it
2006-11-17 10:38:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it doesn't smell even slightly bad or have a slimy feel (well, slimier than normal, lol) it should be ok. If you DON'T use it today, best to toss it.
2006-11-17 10:34:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how it smells in the raw state. Your nose will tell you if it's off. If you do use it, make sure it's cooked through - no pink spots near the bone.
2006-11-17 10:34:16 · answer #10 · answered by Holly R 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋