Can chicken be eaten in the refrigerator for five days

Whether chicken can be eaten in the refrigerator for five days depends on storage conditions and changes in meat quality. refrigerated chicken that has not spoiled and is stored properly is usually edible, but it is not recommended to consume if there is an odor, stickiness, or abnormal color. When the refrigeration temperature is controlled below 4 degrees Celsius, chicken can usually remain relatively fresh for five days. Check if the meat is firm and if there is any shrinkage or exudation on the surface. Before cooking, thoroughly thaw and heat to a center temperature exceeding 75 degrees Celsius to effectively kill common bacteria. Short term refrigerated chicken has less loss of nutritional value, while protein and minerals can still be well preserved. If the refrigerator temperature is unstable or the packaging is damaged, the chicken may breed pathogenic microorganisms such as Pseudomonas after five days. Chicken stored in the frozen layer should be cooked immediately after thawing to avoid repeated freezing and accelerated spoilage. Poultry meat is more prone to spoilage than red meat, and it is not recommended to consume it even if its appearance is normal after seven days.

Long term refrigeration can lead to the oxidation of chicken fat, resulting in a rancid taste, and dehydration of muscle fibers can cause a dull texture. It is recommended that fresh chicken be refrigerated for no more than three days. If extended storage is needed, it should be packaged and frozen separately. When handling refrigerated chicken, be careful to isolate it from other ingredients to avoid cross contamination. Any suspicious signs of deterioration should be discarded, and those with weaker gastrointestinal function should be more cautious.