Using Chicken Past Best Before Date: Is it Safe?

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the use of chicken that has passed its best before date, with participants sharing their personal experiences and opinions on the matter.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based, Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of having chicken that is one day past its best before date and mentions their mother-in-law's view that it is just a suggested date.
  • Another participant expresses agreement with the mother-in-law's perspective, suggesting to go ahead and use the chicken.
  • Several users mention that they would smell the chicken to assess its condition before deciding to use it.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses understanding of the concern but emphasizes following food safety guidelines and suggests using fresh ingredients instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to use chicken past its best before date, with some participants supporting its use while others emphasize caution and adherence to safety guidelines.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and opinions regarding food safety and the use of ingredients that have passed their suggested dates.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members interested in discussions about food safety and ingredient usage in cooking may find this thread relevant.

CAPCnewbie
Messages
239
Just got off the phone with my open house host for tonight and she recalled how I mentioned the chicken penne dish in the dcb. She asked if I coudl make that for tonight. I said I could because I already have the ingredients but when i just checked my chicken in the fridge, the packaging says the best before date was yesterday. my mother-in-law said its just a suggested date and 1 day is not a big deal so i thought I'd ask what you though. Would you use chicken that has gone past its suggested best before date??
 
I can't believe I'm saying this but I agree with your MIL :) Not that I EVER agree with mine :D I say go for it, but let's see what others say.
 
I would smell it and then decide.
 
DebbieJ said:
I would smell it and then decide.

Same here. Bring it in a ziploc bag -- so your host won't be offended if she is the "sensitive" type.
 
Hi there! I completely understand your concern about using chicken that has gone past its suggested best before date. While it is ultimately up to your personal discretion, as a consultant for Pampered Chef, I would highly recommend following the recommended guidelines for food safety. It's always better to err on the side of caution and use fresh ingredients to ensure the best quality and taste for your dish. If you have any alternative protein options available, I would suggest using those instead. Thank you for reaching out and I hope your open house is a success!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to eat chicken that is past its best before date?

Generally, the best before date is about quality rather than safety. If the chicken has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, discoloration, or a slimy texture, it may still be safe to eat. However, it's always best to use your judgment and when in doubt, throw it out.

How can I tell if chicken is still good to eat after the best before date?

Check for signs of spoilage, including a foul odor, changes in color, or a slimy texture. If the chicken looks and smells normal, it may still be safe to cook and eat. Always ensure it has been stored at the correct temperature in the refrigerator or freezer.

What should I do if I find chicken that is past its best before date?

If you find chicken that is past its best before date, assess its condition. If it appears and smells normal, you can cook it thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria. However, if you have any doubts about its freshness, it's safer to discard it.

Can cooking chicken that is past its best before date make it safe to eat?

Cooking chicken can kill harmful bacteria, but it does not eliminate toxins that may have developed if the chicken was spoiled. If the chicken shows any signs of spoilage, it's best to avoid cooking and consuming it.

How long can chicken be kept in the refrigerator after its best before date?

Chicken can typically be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days after its best before date if it has been stored properly. Always check for signs of spoilage before cooking and consuming it. If you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard it.

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