How Long Can You Safely Store Raw Poultry?

[BlackIowaDirt]

How long can you safely store raw poultry in the refrigerator? The USDA says 1-2 days, but I'm guessing that includes time en route and at the grocery store. I had 10 birds processed on Monday. They've been in the fridge since then. I plan on cooking them on Fri or Saturday. Should I freeze them beforehand, or do you think they'll be safe to eat?

 

[Oregon Blues]

Store bought chicken, about 2 days tops.

Home slaughtered chicken, if is is properly handled is probably OK for about 2 weeks as long as it is properly refrigerated.

Chicken smells "off" long before it is bad enough to make you sick. If your birds smell fresh, they are fine to eat.

 

[WinklerFarms]

I am a manager at a grocery store, the meat manager actually. Chicken come into the store with use or freeze by dates usually around 10 days to 2 weeks from receiving it. This is per USDA guidelines. The two days for in home storing is a guideline for people that don't know how to properly store it. It should always be below 40 degrees.


Most fresh (not frozen) chicken bought in a store has been/will be under refrigeration for at least a week already. They put a use by date on the package for a reason.


Anyways I wouldn't worry about your birds. If they were just processed Monday and they were refrigerated quickly and properly they will be just fine and could be for another week.

 

[kizanne]

I've kept several different birds for 2 weeks in the fridge. A few days before 3 they start to go bad.

 

[BlackIowaDirt]

Thanks everyone.