– Why is raw chicken safe to store in the fridge for only 1 – 2 days according to USDA if the expiration date on the packaging says 1 – 2 weeks (for example)

Question

USDA source: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/chicken-farm-table

In: Biology

Answer 1

The packaging is done in a sterile environment and the package protects the chicken from any outside contaminants. However the USDA guidelines assumes that you are dealing with unpackaged chicken which you have either butchered yourself or bought from a butcher. Even if you package it in air tight plastic there have been bacteria and fungi from the atmosphere which have contaminated the chicken. Low amounts of contaminants are still safe to eat, you breathe the same atmosphere which contaminated the chicken in the first place. However once the bacteria and fungi have infected the chicken it will start to multiply and become numerous at which point they will produce enough toxins for it to be harmful to eat. You do not want this to happen. On the other hand the USDA issues guidelines for consumers and your mileage may vary. Chicken might be an exception with the dangers of salmonella but in general if the food looks good, smell good and taste good that it have probably not gone bad yet.