Eating cold chicken can be a tasty way to enjoy a savory dish, but it can also be a risky endeavor if you don’t take the proper precautions. Whether you’re eating pre-cooked cold chicken from the store or leftovers from your own refrigerator, it’s important to know how to store and cook it to avoid getting sick. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating cold chicken, from what makes it dangerous to how to protect yourself from illness. Read on to learn more about keeping yourself safe from foodborne illness.
1. What is Cold Chicken and How Can It Make You Sick
Cold chicken is simply chicken that has been cooked and then refrigerated. It can be eaten cold or reheated. Although cold chicken can be eaten safely, it can also make you sick if it’s not handled, stored, and cooked properly.
When cold chicken is not cooked to the appropriate temperature, it can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. Eating food contaminated with these bacteria can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Cold chicken can also make you sick if its juices leak in the refrigerator and get on kitchen surfaces. If these juices come into contact with raw food, such as salad, it can also contaminate the food and cause food poisoning.
Cold chicken can also be a breeding ground for bacteria if it’s not stored properly. If the chicken is not stored at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, bacteria can grow rapidly and cause food poisoning.
It’s important to remember that even if cold chicken is cooked and stored properly, it can still contain bacteria. The only way to ensure that the chicken is safe to eat is to cook it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
By following food safety tips and properly storing and cooking cold chicken, you can protect yourself from getting sick. Always make sure to cook chicken to the appropriate temperature and store it in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to avoid contamination.
2. Food Safety Tips to Protect Yourself from Getting Sick from Cold Chicken
Cold chicken can make you sick if it is contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms. To avoid illness, it is important to practice food safety when handling cold chicken. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Store Cold Chicken Properly
Cold chicken should be refrigerated at 4°C or below and stored in an airtight container. It should also be used within two days of purchase. It is important to keep cold chicken away from other foods in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Avoid Cross-Contamination
When handling cold chicken, be sure to use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked chicken. It is also important to wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing cold chicken. Additionally, never put cooked chicken back on the plate or cutting board that held the raw chicken.
3. Cook Cold Chicken Thoroughly
To kill any bacteria on cold chicken, it must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 74°C. You can check this temperature with a food thermometer. If you are reheating cold chicken, make sure to heat it until it is steaming hot all the way through.
4. Refrigerate Leftovers Quickly
Any leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. To help speed up the cooling process, divide leftovers into shallow containers. Do not leave cold chicken sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.
5. Discard Cold Chicken After Use-By Date
It is important to check the use-by date on the packaging of cold chicken. Do not consume it after this date, as it may have gone bad. Additionally, if the chicken has a foul odor or off-color, it should not be eaten.
By following these food safety tips, you can protect yourself from becoming ill from eating cold chicken. It is important to take precautions when handling and cooking cold chicken to ensure it is safe to eat.
3. Symptoms to Look Out For After Eating Cold Chicken
If you have eaten cold chicken and are worried about getting sick, it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for. If you experience any of the following after eating cold chicken, it may be a sign that you have contracted food poisoning:
- Gastrointestinal upset – This can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.
- Fever – A fever is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection.
- Fatigue – Feeling tired and lacking energy can be a sign of food poisoning.
- Headache – A headache can be a symptom of food poisoning, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to appear. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating cold chicken, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your illness and provide treatment to help you recover quickly.
It’s also important to keep in mind that not all food poisoning is caused by eating cold chicken. In fact, many cases of food poisoning are caused by other types of food, such as dairy products, eggs, and fish. It’s important to practice safe food handling and cooking techniques to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
4. Tips for Properly Storing and Cooking Cold Chicken to Avoid Illness
Storing Cold Chicken
When it comes to storing cold chicken, it’s important to keep it at the right temperature to avoid spoilage or contamination. The best way to store cold chicken is to keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. Make sure to store raw and cooked chicken separately; raw chicken should be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, it’s important to not keep cold chicken in the refrigerator for more than two days.
Cooking Cold Chicken
Cooking cold chicken properly is essential to avoiding foodborne illnesses. Start by washing your hands, cutting board, and utensils with hot, soapy water before and after contact with raw chicken. When cooking cold chicken, make sure to use a food thermometer to ensure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This will kill any bacteria that may be present in the chicken and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Freezing Cold Chicken
If you need to store cold chicken for a longer period of time, freezing is an option. To freeze cold chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Make sure to label the container or bag with the date it was frozen, and use the chicken within two months for maximum freshness.
Reheating Cold Chicken
Cold chicken can be safely reheated as long as it is done correctly. Before reheating, make sure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Reheating can be done in the oven, stovetop, or microwave; just make sure to use a food thermometer to ensure that the chicken has been heated through. Additionally, make sure to not leave the chicken in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long, as this can increase the risk of bacteria growth.
When it comes to eating cold chicken, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this article, you can enjoy cold chicken without worry and keep yourself safe from foodborne illness. So next time you’re in the mood for a savory cold chicken dish, remember to take all the necessary steps to protect yourself from getting sick.
