How to Tell Whether Chicken Is Still Fresh

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Chicken is a food item found in almost every kitchen. It is relatively affordable and can be prepared in a variety of dishes, from fried chicken, soup and soto to stir-fries.

Before buying or preparing it, however, it is important to make sure the chicken is still fresh. Spoiled chicken can affect the taste and smell of a meal and may also increase the risk of health problems.

There are several simple signs to look for, including the meat’s colour, smell and texture.

1. Check the colour of the chicken

One of the easiest ways to check chicken is to look at its colour. Fresh raw chicken is generally pink to pale pink.

The colour can vary slightly depending on the cut. For example, areas closer to the bone may look darker. This does not necessarily mean the chicken has spoiled.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a change in the colour of chicken does not always indicate spoilage. However, if the colour change is accompanied by an unpleasant smell or a sticky, slimy texture, the chicken should not be eaten.

So, do not rely on colour alone. Check the chicken’s overall condition as well.

2. Smell the chicken

Fresh chicken generally has the characteristic smell of raw meat, but it should not be overpowering. A sour, rotten or pungent smell, or any other abnormal odour, may indicate that the chicken is no longer fit to use.

You can check the smell after taking the chicken out of its packaging. Chicken in vacuum-sealed or other closed packaging may sometimes have a particular odour when first opened. Give it a little time for the smell to dissipate before assessing it.

If it still smells unpleasant afterwards, it is best not to risk cooking it.

3. Check the texture

Texture can also be an important clue. Fresh chicken usually feels springy and fairly firm to the touch.

Raw chicken may feel wet because of its water content or liquid released during storage. Its surface should not, however, feel excessively slippery, sticky or slimy.

If the chicken feels slimy, especially when this is accompanied by a change in colour and an unpleasant smell, it should be discarded.

Bear in mind that washing chicken cannot make spoiled chicken fresh again. In fact, washing raw chicken under running water can increase the risk of spreading bacteria through splashes onto kitchen surfaces.

4. Check the date and storage conditions

Storage time is important, in addition to the chicken’s physical condition. Raw chicken should be refrigerated soon after purchase.

The USDA recommends storing raw chicken in a refrigerator at 4°C or below and using it within one to two days. If it will not be cooked within that time, it can be frozen to extend its storage life.

Do not leave raw chicken at room temperature for too long. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that perishable foods, including meat and poultry, should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. The limit is one hour when the air temperature is above about 32°C.

To make sure chicken is still fresh, do not rely on just one sign. Check its colour and smell, assess its texture, and make sure it has been stored at the right temperature.

If the chicken shows several signs of spoilage, such as a pungent smell, an abnormal change in colour and a slimy surface, it is better not to eat it. When it comes to food, throwing away chicken whose condition is in doubt is safer than risking food poisoning.