Meat & Poultry
Raw chicken
Fridge (4°C / 40°F)
1–2 days
Freezer (−18°C / 0°F)
9–12 months
Worth knowing
Color alone isn't proof. Chicken can look fine and still be past its safe window — go by the date and the 1–2 day rule.
Store it right
- Keep at or below 4°C (40°F) on the bottom shelf so juices can't drip onto other food.
- Leave it in the original wrap and set it on a plate or tray.
- For the freezer, rewrap tightly in freezer paper or a sealed bag to avoid freezer burn.
Signs it has gone off
- Sour or ammonia-like smell that lingers after rinsing the air (a faint smell right out of the pack is normal).
- Slimy or sticky film on the surface that doesn't rinse away.
- Grey or greenish tint instead of pink.
Never taste food to test it — a small bite is enough to make you ill.
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