Claire Thompson
Chicken is a versatile, nutritious food that is a diet staple for many households. However, it is a meat with a high risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to food poisoning. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that raw chicken can be kept in the fridge for approximately 1–2 days, while cooked chicken can last in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days. Eating chicken that is 7 days old is therefore not advisable, and it is likely that the meat will have gone bad and be unsafe to eat. However, some people report that they eat week-old chicken without any negative effects, and it is unlikely to cause more than a bit of vomiting and/or diarrhea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge | 3–4 days |
| How long raw chicken can be stored in the fridge | 1–2 days |
| Food poisoning risk | Low, unless immuno-compromised |
| Food poisoning symptoms | Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, dehydration |
| Food poisoning likelihood | Unlikely, may cause a bit of puking and/or diarrhea |
| Signs of spoiled chicken | Sour or acidic smell, slimy appearance, gray-green color |
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What You'll Learn
What are the risks of eating 7-day-old chicken?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw chicken can be kept in the fridge for approximately 1–2 days. Cooked chicken can last in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days. If the chicken has been in the fridge for more than a few days, there is a chance it has gone bad.
Eating spoiled chicken can cause foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning. Chicken has a high risk of bacterial contamination, which is why preparing, storing, and cooking it properly is important. Normally, bacteria are eliminated when chicken is cooked thoroughly. However, some toxins produced by bacteria cannot be eliminated by re-heating or cooking, and these toxins can cause food poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning include a high fever (above 101.5°F or 38.6°C), chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and dehydration. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating 7-day-old chicken, seek medical attention.
However, it is important to note that not all bacteria are eliminated by cooking. Some toxins produced by bacteria can remain even after cooking and still cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid eating chicken that has been left in the fridge for more than 3–4 days.
Some people have reported eating 7-day-old chicken without any negative consequences, but this does not mean that it is safe for everyone. The risk of food poisoning depends on various factors, including the individual's health, the storage conditions of the chicken, and the presence of bacteria. If you choose to eat chicken that has been stored for 7 days, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and monitor yourself for any signs of food poisoning.
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How can you tell if chicken has gone bad?
It is important to know how to tell if chicken has gone bad, as it can cause foodborne illnesses, also known as food poisoning. Chicken has a high risk of bacterial contamination, and the bacteria can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms, including a high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloody stools, and dehydration.
Raw chicken should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase, while cooked chicken should be consumed within 3-4 days. If you've left chicken in the fridge for more than a few days, there's a chance it has gone bad.
- Check the "best if used by" date. Chicken that has passed its "best if used by" date is more likely to have gone bad.
- Look for changes in colour. Raw chicken should have a light pink colour with white fatty pieces. If the flesh is gray, green, or yellow, or if the fat is yellow, this is a sign of spoilage.
- Check for changes in texture. Fresh raw chicken has a glossy, somewhat soft, and shiny texture. It shouldn't be slimy, sticky, tacky, or have a filmy layer on top. If your hands have a slimy residue after touching raw chicken, it has likely gone bad. Cooked chicken is firmer and drier than raw chicken. If you notice increased softness, sliminess, stickiness, or residue, it’s probably bad.
- Check for any odour. Fresh raw chicken will have a very mild smell or none at all. If your chicken has a very apparent smell, such as a sour, acidic, or sulfur-like smell similar to rotten eggs, it has likely gone bad.
- Check for mould growth. If you notice any spots of gray-to-green mould or any foreign substances, throw the chicken out.
If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and toss the chicken out. The saying, "When in doubt, throw it out," is good advice when dealing with chicken.
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What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
Eating chicken that is seven days old is not recommended. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days. Eating spoiled chicken can cause foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning.
Food poisoning is caused by swallowing certain germs, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which may be present in contaminated food. The symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the germ swallowed, ranging from mild to severe.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
In more severe cases, symptoms may include:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- Fever over 102°F (38.6°C)
- Persistent vomiting, making it difficult to keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up
If you suspect food poisoning, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, medical attention may be required, especially for young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, or those with compromised immune systems.
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How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked chicken can last in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days. However, it is important to note that the duration may vary depending on how the chicken was processed and prepared. FoodSafety.gov suggests that chicken salad, chicken nuggets, patties, and leftover cooked chicken can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. On the other hand, fully cooked chicken sausage and lunch meat can last for up to a week due to their higher sodium content, which acts as a preservative.
It is crucial to store cooked chicken properly to ensure its freshness and quality. It should be placed in a clean, dry, and airtight container or sealed in an unused, food-grade plastic bag. Additionally, it is recommended to label the container with the date the chicken was stored to keep track of its freshness.
Leaving cooked chicken in the fridge for an extended period can increase the risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses, commonly known as food poisoning. Spoiled chicken may exhibit changes in smell, texture, and colour. It may develop a slimy texture, become soft, or exhibit a grayish-green colour, indicating the presence of mold.
Consuming spoiled chicken can have adverse effects, even if it is thoroughly cooked. Reheating or cooking spoiled chicken may not eliminate all bacteria or their toxins, and it could still cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and dehydration. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume cooked chicken within 3 to 4 days and practice safe food handling and storage practices to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
In one instance, a person shared their experience of eating seven-day-old chicken. They mentioned that the chicken did not smell off, and their children enjoyed it. However, one of the children threw up, but it was not attributed to food poisoning. Other responses to the incident suggested that it is unlikely to cause severe food poisoning, and the children's nanny would not have served it if it appeared or smelled bad. Overall, the general consensus was that the children would likely be fine, and no special actions were necessary.
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What are the safest ways to store chicken?
Chicken is a versatile, nutritious food that is a diet staple for many households. However, it has a high risk of bacterial contamination, so it's important to store it properly to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are the safest ways to store chicken:
Storing Raw Chicken
Raw chicken should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 1-2 days. The ideal fridge temperature is generally 35-38°Fahrenheit (4-3°Celsius), as anything lower will risk freezing the meat. Raw chicken should always be kept at the lowest possible part of your refrigerator, as this is the coldest area and will prevent cross-contamination from raw poultry juices dripping onto other foods. To further prevent cross-contamination, place raw chicken on a rimmed plate or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When freezing raw chicken, use a freezer-safe bag, push out as much oxygen as possible before sealing, and always label it with the date, type of chicken, and weight. Raw chicken pieces can be stored in the freezer for up to 9 months, while a whole chicken can be frozen for up to 1 year.
Storing Cooked Chicken
Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. However, it is important to store it within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. To retain freshness and quality, place cooked chicken in a clean, dry, airtight container or seal it in an unused food-grade plastic bag. Label the container with the date it was stored. Cooked chicken can also be frozen for 2–6 months, but it is recommended to use it within 3 months for best results.
Signs of Spoilage
It is important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming chicken. Spoiled chicken may exhibit changes in smell, texture, and colour, such as a grey-to-green colour or mould. It may also appear slimy. If you notice any of these signs, discard the chicken immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on how the chicken was stored and prepared. If it was stored in the freezer, it can be safe to eat. However, if it was refrigerated, it is likely unsafe to eat as cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for only 3-4 days. If you experience any symptoms like nausea, stomach ache, headache, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek medical advice.
Check for changes in smell, texture, and color. Spoiled chicken may have a sour or acidic smell, a slimy texture, or a gray-green color.
Eating spoiled chicken can lead to foodborne illness, commonly known as food poisoning. This is because bacteria such as Campylobacter and Salmonella may be present, and while cooking kills surface bacteria, it may not eliminate all toxins.
Raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, while cooked chicken can be stored for 3-4 days. If you need to store chicken for longer, it is recommended to freeze it.
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