Is the fishy smell of chicken spoiled

Chicken with a fishy odor usually indicates spoilage and is not recommended for continued consumption. Fresh chicken only has a slight fishy smell. If there is a noticeable putrid, rancid, or pungent odor, it is often related to bacterial growth and protein breakdown. Fresh chicken can be stored for 1-2 days under refrigeration conditions and can last for 3-4 months in a frozen state. If the storage time exceeds the above period, or if the chicken surface becomes sticky, the color turns gray green, and there is no elasticity when pressed, even if there is no obvious odor, it is not recommended to consume. The high temperature environment in summer can accelerate meat spoilage, and chicken meat that is not refrigerated in time may spoil within 6-8 hours. When purchasing pre packaged chicken, if the packaging bag swells or leaks liquid, it often indicates that the meat quality has deteriorated. In rare cases, the fishy smell of chicken may be related to the feeding method. Due to the high amount of exercise, free range chickens may have a slight earthy odor in their meat, but this odor is not uncomfortable. Some frozen chicken may emit an iron like odor after thawing due to incomplete removal of blood. It can be removed after thorough rinsing and blanching. If the chicken only has a bloody taste and no spoilage characteristics, it can still be safely consumed after high-temperature cooking.

When purchasing chicken in daily life, it is important to observe whether the meat is firm, shiny, and has no sticky texture when touched. It is recommended to pack and freeze immediately after purchase, and slowly thaw in the refrigerator during thawing. Before cooking, ginger, cooking wine, or lemon juice can be used to marinate and remove fishy odors. However, if the odor persists after treatment, it should be discarded decisively. Consuming spoiled poultry meat may lead to gastroenteritis and even food poisoning, and symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea require timely medical attention.