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How To Store Raw Chicken In Fridge After Opening

How To Store Raw Chicken In Fridge After Opening: Safety Tips

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Shari Mason

Ensuring proper refrigeration is crucial in preserving the freshness and safety of raw chicken. Failure to store raw chicken correctly can result in spoilage and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Today, we’ll show you how to store raw chicken in the fridge after opening it.

We will discuss the proper way to store raw chicken in the fridge after it has been opened, including how long it can be stored, the best methods for wrapping and packaging, and how to tell if the chicken has gone bad.  

Following these guidelines, you can keep your raw chicken fresh and safe for consumption.

Proper Way To Store Raw Chicken In The Fridge After Opening

raw whole chicken

First, the chicken should be placed in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from leaking and contaminating other foods.

This is especially important for raw chicken, as it can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter that can easily spread to other foods.

It is also important to store raw chicken [1] on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This is because any juices that may leak from the chicken can drip onto other foods, potentially contaminating them with bacteria. 

Additionally, using the chicken within two days is important, as bacteria can quickly multiply at refrigerator temperatures, making it unsafe to eat. It is also important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken.

Read:

How Long Can It Be Stored In The Fridge After Opening?

Raw chicken can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days after opening. It is important to use chicken within this time frame to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. 

“I used to eat a whole chicken, every day, for lunch. I did that for four years. But it got tiring – go to the store, buy it, eat it. It’s a mess.”

Adam Driver, American Actor

Bacteria can multiply quickly at refrigerator temperatures, making the chicken unsafe to eat after two days.

It is also important to handle raw chicken properly and store it in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from contaminating other foods.

Read: How To Clean Knife After Cutting Raw Chicken?

Can Raw Chicken Be Frozen After Opening?

Yes, raw chicken can be frozen after opening. It is important to store the chicken properly to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain its quality.

Before freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic or foil, or place it in a sealed freezer bag. Removing as much air as possible will help to prevent freezer burn.

Label the package with the date, so you can track how long it has been frozen.

Raw chicken can be frozen for up to 6 months, but it is best to use it within four months to maintain its quality and taste.

When thawing, it is important to do it safely in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. This will prevent bacteria growth and will maintain the quality of the chicken.

How Can You Tell If It Has Gone Bad?

fresh chicken meat
  1. Smell: Fresh raw chicken should have a mild, almost neutral smell. If the chicken has a strong, sour, or ammonia-like odor, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
  2. Appearance: Fresh raw chicken should have a smooth, glossy appearance with no signs of discoloration. If the chicken is slimy, dull, or discolored, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
  3. Texture: Fresh raw chicken should have a firm texture. If the chicken feels slimy or sticky, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
  4. Expiration Date: Always check the expiration date on the package. If the chicken has passed its expiration date or if the package has been open for more than two days, it is best to discard it.

What Are The Risks Of Consuming Spoiled Raw Chicken?

  1. Nausea: Consuming spoiled raw chicken can cause feelings of nausea and an upset stomach.
  2. Diarrhea: Spoiled raw chicken can cause diarrhea [2], leading to dehydration.
  3. Abdominal cramps: Consuming spoiled raw chicken can cause abdominal cramps and pain.
  4. Vomiting: Spoiled raw chicken can cause vomiting, leading to dehydration.
  5. Fever: Consuming spoiled raw chicken can cause fever, a sign of infection.
  6. Headache: Headache can also be a symptom of food poisoning.

FAQs

u003cstrongu003eCan you store raw chicken in Tupperware?u003c/strongu003e

You can store raw chicken in Tupperware or any sealed plastic container. However, handling the chicken properly and storing it in a container specifically designed for food storage is important.

u003cstrongu003eCan you leave raw meat uncovered in the fridge?u003c/strongu003e

No. It is not recommended to leave raw meat uncovered in the fridge. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eRaw meat should be stored in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from leaking and contaminating other foods. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe meat should also be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent any juices from dripping onto other foods.

In Conclusion

Storing raw chicken in the refrigerator after opening is important to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Proper handling and storage techniques should ensure that the chicken stays fresh and safe. 

The chicken should be placed in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil and stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

Using the chicken within two days is important, as bacteria can quickly multiply at refrigerator temperatures, making it unsafe to eat. 

Furthermore, washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken is crucial. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your raw chicken stays fresh and safe to eat.

References:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/chicken.html
  2. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-diarrhea
Shari Mason

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