Too Good To Go BlogCHICKEN: KNOW WHEN IT'S SAFE AND WHEN IT'S NOT
DOES CHICKEN HAVE A BEST IF USED BY DATE?
Chicken products typically carry a Use by or Freeze By label, indicating when the product is no longer safe for consumption.
To extend the life of your chicken, freeze it on or before that date.
- Whole chicken can last up to 1 year in the freezer.
- Chicken pieces (e.g, breasts, thighs) can be stored for up to 9 months.
- Cooked chicken can be kept for up to 4 months.
Ensure your freezer stays at 0°F or lower to prevent spoilage. (USDA, 2019). When you're ready to eat your chicken, defrost it thoroughly in the fridge before cooking. Once defrosted, use immediately. Remember you should not re-freeze meat after defrosting (Wrap, 2017).
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT COOKED CHICKEN: ENJOY LEFTOVERS SAFELY
Cooked chicken can be a convenient and delicious leftover, but it's important to handle it properly to ensure safety. Here are some guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days (USDA, 2023).
- Freezing: If you need to keep it longer, freeze cooked chicken for up to 4 months on the day of cooking (USDA, 2024).
Reheating: Reheat chicken thoroughly before consumption, to make sure it is safe to eat. If you can see steam rising from the surface of the food or the middle when you cut into it, it means that it has been reheated well (Food Standards Agency, 2024). Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain quality.
REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Understanding and correctly interpreting date labels can help avoid unnecessary wastage. 20% of consumer food waste in the US results from misunderstanding date labels, (FDA, 2024). By properly managing chicken products, you can help minimize food waste. By reducing food waste, you not only save money by making the most of what you buy but also help avoid CO2e emissions and the unnecessary use of valuable resources like water and land. Every small action counts in our collective efforts to help save the planet.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LEFTOVER CHICKEN
Don’t let leftover chicken go to waste! Use it to whip up delicious dishes like chicken soup or chicken salad. For more food-saving hacks, recipes, and tips, follow us on social media.
Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment by reducing food waste, one tasty meal at a time.
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