How to tell if chicken has gone bad?

In recent months, there have been cases of chicken poisoning with serious health consequences. From a surge of cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome related to chicken consumption, to the deaths of two minors after eating chicken in Escobedo, Nuevo León. These types of cases remind us of the importance of hygiene in the kitchen, cross-contamination, and the correct way to handle chicken. To avoid chicken poisoning, here we explain how to know if chicken has gone bad, take note! You can also read: How to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchenHow to know if the chicken has gone bad? Chicken is essential for making broths, soups, stews, and Mexican snacks; but we must be careful from purchase to cooking, to avoid poisoning from chicken. For us at kiwilimón, your health and that of your family are the most important, so we explain how to know if the chicken has gone bad, how long it lasts in the refrigerator, and more. Take note! How to know if the chicken has gone bad? According to information published by the US Department of Agriculture, you will know that the chicken is spoiled and cannot be eaten if it shows the following characteristics: Odor: emits a foul or strange smell. Flavor: you will notice a significant change in flavor. Color: the chicken is likely to appear darker than normal.  Texture: when touched, it will feel slimy or sticky.  How long does chicken last in the refrigerator? Another important factor to consider is that chicken, whether cooked or raw, cannot stay for many days in your refrigerator. If you have raw chicken in the refrigerator, it will be fresh and good for 1 to 2 days, while if it is cooked, you can eat it 3 to 4 days after refrigerating it.  Read more: Should chicken be washed before cooking?How to avoid chicken poisoning? Chicken poisoning is a very serious health issue, and unfortunately, more cases are being reported. To prevent this condition, it is best to put the following tips into practice, take care of your health! Say no to cross-contamination As you probably already know, chicken should not be rinsed before cooking. This is because, if this protein is contaminated with bacteria and you rinse it, the microorganisms will splash all over your kitchen.  This creates an environment of cross-contamination, which is very dangerous for your health. So remember, raw chicken should not be washed! Cook the chicken very well Although you probably already know this, chicken must be cooked thoroughly, there are no medium terms here!  To determine if the chicken is well cooked, you can observe the texture and color; you will immediately know if it is properly cooked. However, you can also use a food thermometer and ensure that the chicken has an internal temperature of 73.88 °C. Keep the chicken refrigerated Remember that the refrigerator is one of your main allies when it comes to preventing chicken poisoning, as high temperatures are a breeding ground for bacteria.  In this regard, the CDC explains that chicken should be refrigerated within two hours after cooking. If this protein has been exposed to intense heat, it should be refrigerated at least one hour after.  Store the chicken properly The way you store chicken does matter a lot. Remember that you should package it very well to prevent juices from mixing with other ingredients in your refrigerator, as they could become contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella.  Now that you know how to prevent cross-contamination and chicken poisoning, do not hesitate to implement these tips to detect spoiled chicken immediately. At kiwilimón, we care about your health! Continue reading: Cook with confidence: here are some tips for proper chicken handling8 ways to make chicken breast go further