Why the 48 hour rule with refrigerated chicken?

Question

I purchased chicken approx 48 hours ago. If I had not purchased that chicken or another that was packaged at the same time until the next night it would have just stayed on the refrigerated shelf in the store an extra day ...and then I would have brought it home and technically had 48 hours to use it or freeze it. So using this logic is it okay to not use the chicken I purchased until tomorrow night (72 hours from when I bought it?) I know those are just suggestions, but I am tired of this whole sell by, expiration date, and recommended storage stuff. I don't want to freeze the chicken and then microwave it...

When I hypothetically say, "If I had not purchased" the chicken I also am imagining no one else purchasing the chicken (you see sales all the time where the butcher needs to get rid of chicken before the sell by date because they put too much out and no one bought it).

Answer 1

These rules came about because of our lawsuit crazy society-the stores must protect themselves by setting guidelines strict enough that there is no possibility of causing illness. As long as your refrigerator is good and cold and you handle and cook the bird properly you should be fine.

Answer 2

Hi! Perhaps the refrigerators there are more powerful? Lol, I don't know, but I don't think 2.5 days in a fridge is going to affect the chicken, particularly if you put it way in the back of the fridge. It's better safe than sorry, though. Don't microwave (defrost) your chicken! Icky! Lol, I hate doing that. It kind of toughens the chicken out. Just put it in the fridge overnight, and it'll thaw out pretty well. Another trick is (if you're going to use cut up chicken pieces) cut the chicken up before you freeze it, and it'll thaw out so much faster in the fridge overnight. Also, for a quick thaw, put the chicken in a large pot or plastic bowl and fill it up with cool water. It will defrost in just a few hours, compared to a whole day. Sorry I couldn't answer your 72 hour question perfectly, but I really do think that it's way better to be safe than sorry, It does spoil pretty soon, so definitely makes sure to give it a sniff before you cook it. Perhaps you can talk to your butcher about it, also. Good luck! :o)

Answer 3

The reason is to help prevent you from getting food poisoning. Your best bet on something like this is to package it in plastic baggies and freeze it until you can use it. Then you should still try to use it before 4-6 months. The other posts are correct though, use your eyes and nose...and also cook it thoroughly

Answer 4

Chicken will last longer than 48 hrs. Let your nose be your guide. If your chicken is bad, you will know as soon as you open the package. It will stink so bad that you will want to vomit that is if you dont actually vomit.