How Long Is Chicken Good After The Sell By Date? Is It Safe?

If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably purchased a package of chicken with the intention to make dinner only to have it sit in the refrigerator for days before finally getting around to cooking it. But you may be wary — does this mean that your chicken is no longer safe or edible? How long is chicken good after the sell by date? Not to worry – we’ve got all of the answers right here for you. Keep reading for expert advice about understanding and interpreting expiration dates, determining whether your chicken is still good or not, and proper storage tips so that your food stays fresh longer.

What Is A Sell By Date?

To understand the answer to “How long is chicken good after the sell by date?”, it’s important to first define what a sell by date is. A Sell-By date is an indication of how long a product should be made available for sale before quality or freshness is affected. The expiration of the Sell-By date does not necessarily mean the item should be discarded or is unsafe to consume. After a Sell-By date passes, certain products may lose flavor or appeal but are still safe to eat.

How Is Sell By Date Different From A Use By Date?

The “Sell by” date indicates the timeframe within which a product should be sold in stores. It is used for inventory management and is not related to food safety.  Commonly, food can still be consumed or stored safely even after the “Sell by” date has passed.

Chicken Sell By Date Vs. Use By Date

Chicken sell-by dates are typically one to two days after it has been packaged. Some poultry producers add a use-by date, typically three to five days after packaging, for best quality when consuming the product.

What Does The Sell By Date Mean On Raw Chicken?

The sell-by date on raw chicken is a reference date used by grocery stores to know when it should be removed from the shelf. According to the USDA, this date does not indicate safety, only quality. Chicken can still be consumed up to 2 days past the sell-by date.

Is The Chicken Sell By Date Accurate?

The sell-by date on fresh meat is a reference used by grocery stores to know when it should be taken off the shelf. The USDA states that this date does not guarantee the safety of the product. After passing this date, the quality of the meat may diminish, however it remains safe to cook and eat up to 2 days beyond the sell-by date.

How Long Is Chicken Good After The Sell By Date?

Raw chicken can remain in the fridge for up to 2 days beyond the sell-by date when stored properly. Frozen raw chicken will last up to 9 months. Cooked chicken can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 4 to 6 months.

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Factors Affect How Chicken Good After The Sell By Date

Consider the appearance and smell of chicken to determine whether it is safe to consume past its sell-by date. If the chicken appears or smells questionable, discard it.

Is Chicken Safe To Eat After The Sell By Date?

Chicken is safe to eat after its sell-by date if it has been properly stored. The sell-by date is meant as a guideline for retailers. Consumers should check for signs of spoilage before eating past the sell-by date.

How To Extend The Expiration Date Of Fresh Raw Chicken?

It is recommended to freeze fresh raw chicken to extend its shelf life beyond 1-2 days. The frozen chicken should be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. The package should be labeled with the date and stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Tips To Store Chicken After The Sell By Date

Now that you know more about how long is chicken good after the sell by date, let’s explore tips to store it. When it comes to storing chicken after the sell by date, proper storage is key. Here are some tips to remember: Raw chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days past the sell-by date, according to the USDA. If it won’t be cooked within those 2 days, it is best to freeze it.

How To Tell If Chicken Is Bad After Sell By Date?

Check to see if chicken is slimy, has a foul smell, or has changed to a yellow, green, or gray color – this could indicate it has gone bad. Toss any chicken that has passed its expiration date. Throw out raw chicken that’s been in the refrigerator for over 2 days or cooked chicken for more than 4 days. Discard any chicken that has been in the temperature danger zone for more than 2 hours.

Can You Freeze Raw Chicken After Sell By Date?

Raw chicken should be consumed within 3-6 months after its expiration date for best quality. Store raw chicken at 0°F (-18°C) or lower to maintain safety and flavor. Check for signs of spoilage before cooking.

Conclusion: How Long Is Chicken Good After The Sell By Date?

So we have answered the question how long is chicken good after the sell by date. When it comes to raw chicken, the sell by date is a good indicator of quality but not infallible. You can still safely eat your chicken up to two days after its sell by date as long as it has been stored properly in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can extend its shelf life and preserve flavor and texture by freezing your chicken. Thank you for reading at johnnygrits.com.

FAQs: Time Chicken Good After The Sell By Date

Is chicken good 7 days after sell by date?

Chicken can usually be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days after the sell-by date. The sell-by date is not an expiration or “use-by” date. A better gauge of food safety is the freshness of the product and its smell.

Can you eat chicken 10 days after sell by date?

Fresh chicken should be consumed within one or two days of purchase. Refrigerated chicken can usually be safe to eat up to four days after the sell-by date, as long as it looks and smells fresh.

How long is chicken good after sell by date if frozen?

Raw chicken pieces remain safe to eat for up to 9 months when frozen. Whole chickens can last up to a year when frozen. Cooked chicken can generally be kept for 2-6 months when frozen. Freezing cooked chicken is an effective way of reducing food waste.

Is chicken still good after sell by date if frozen?

According to the USDA, food should be consumed before its expiration date for peak quality. If a use-by date expires while the chicken is frozen, it can still be used since frozen foods are safe indefinitely.

Can I cook chicken 6 days after sell-by date?

Raw poultry should typically not be consumed more than 5 days after the sell-by date, as it may develop bacteria leading to food poisoning. It is best to err on the side of caution when considering chicken past its sell-by date.

Can I use chicken 4 days after sell by date?

Raw chicken stored properly can last up to 2 days past the sell-by date. Frozen raw chicken can be kept for up to 9 months. Cooked chicken in the fridge can last up to 3-4 days, while frozen cooked chicken can last 4-6 months.

Does chicken smell bad on sell by date?

Chicken that is slimy, has a foul smell, or has changed to a yellow, green, or gray color is an indication of it being bad. Any chicken past its expiration date should be discarded. Raw chicken should not be kept in the refrigerator for more than 2 days; cooked chicken for more than 4 days. Chicken that has been in the temperature danger zone for over 2 hours should not be eaten.

Is chicken OK 1 day after use-by date?

When purchasing chicken, check the “use by” date for peak quality. The USDA states that chicken is still safe to eat up to two days after the “use by” date.

Can I cook chicken 5 days after sell by date?

Chicken can be safe to eat past the sell-by date, according to the USDA. It is recommended to cook or freeze chicken within 1-2 days of purchase for best safety. Beyond that, consuming chicken may pose a risk and should be checked for signs of spoilage.

How long is vacuum sealed chicken good for after sell by date?

Food	Normal Shelf	Vacuum Shelf
Chicken (raw)	1-2 days	4-5 days
Cheddar	6-8 weeks	4-6 months
Lettuce, Spinach	7-10 days	2 weeks
Citrus Fruits	3-4 weeks	1 month

How good is chicken from sell by date?

Chicken is usually good for up to 2 days past the sell-by date when stored in the refrigerator, as per USDA guidelines. For longer storage, it should be placed in the freezer.