Can Chicken Sausage Go Bad : What You MUST Know

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the shelf life of chicken sausage, discuss signs of spoilage, and share tips on how to store it so you can make the most of your sausages and keep them safe to eat for as long as possible.

Can Chicken Sausage Go Bad?

Yes, chicken sausage can go bad, just like any meat product. Although it may look fine at first glance, improper storage, exposure to heat, or keeping it for too long can lead to bacterial growth or the breakdown of its texture and flavor. So, just because it doesn’t look rotten doesn’t mean it’s still good to eat. A combination of visual inspection, smell, and understanding storage practices will help you avoid any foodborne illnesses or unpleasant surprises.

When chicken sausage goes bad, it may not only pose a health risk but can also result in an unpleasant taste, texture, and smell that no one wants to experience. To make sure you’re getting the best out of your chicken sausage, let’s explore its shelf life, signs of spoilage, and storage methods.

Shelf Life For Chicken Sausage

The shelf life of chicken sausage depends on a few factors, including whether it’s fresh, cooked, or unopened.

• Unopened Raw Chicken Sausage

  • If kept in the refrigerator, raw chicken sausage typically lasts for 1-2 days past the “use by” or “sell by” date printed on the packaging. After this time, it’s best to use it or freeze it immediately.
  • If you choose to freeze raw chicken sausage, it can last for up to 6 months. Freezing preserves the sausage and keeps it safe from bacteria, but the texture may change slightly once thawed.

• Opened Raw Chicken Sausage

  • Once the package is opened, you should cook it within 1-2 days. This is due to the exposure to air, which accelerates spoilage.

• Cooked Chicken Sausage

  • Cooked chicken sausage, when stored properly in the refrigerator, will last about 3-4 days. After this time, bacteria can begin to multiply, making it unsafe to eat.
  • If you decide to freeze cooked chicken sausage, it can last up to 2-3 months, though again, the texture and flavor may not be the same once thawed.

• Pre-cooked Chicken Sausage (store-bought):

  • If you purchase pre-cooked chicken sausage, it typically comes with a longer shelf life, often lasting 1-2 weeks in the fridge if unopened. Once opened, it should be used within 3-5 days.

Common Signs Of Spoilage

Recognizing spoiled chicken sausage can save you from getting sick or ruining your meal. Here’s what to look out for:

• Smell

  • One of the first indicators that your chicken sausage has gone bad is a sour, foul, or rancid odor. Fresh chicken sausage should have a slightly herby, meaty scent. If it smells off, it’s best to toss it.

• Color

  • Fresh chicken sausage will usually have a light pink or pale beige color. If it starts turning grayish, greenish, or has any dark spots, it’s a sign of spoilage. The change in color indicates bacterial growth or oxidation.

• Texture

  • Feel the sausage. If it feels slimy or sticky to the touch, it’s gone bad. Chicken sausage should be firm and smooth. A slimy coating suggests bacterial growth.

• Appearance Of Mold

  • If you spot any mold, whether white, green, or fuzzy in appearance, discard the sausage immediately. Mold is a clear sign of spoilage, and consuming it can be dangerous.

• Taste

  • If you’ve cooked the sausage and it tastes off-either sour, bitter, or weirdly metallic-it’s best to spit it out and discard the rest. If it doesn’t taste right, there’s a good chance bacteria or improper storage has affected it.

How To Store Chicken Sausage?

Storing chicken sausage properly is crucial in extending its shelf life and ensuring it stays safe to eat. Here are some helpful tips for storing it correctly:

• In The Refrigerator

  • Always store chicken sausage in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally in the back where the temperature is more consistent. Make sure it is well-wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent air exposure, which can speed up spoilage.
  • Keep raw and cooked sausages separate. Use different storage containers to prevent cross-contamination, especially with raw meat.

• In The Freezer

  • Freezing is a great option if you want to extend the shelf life of chicken sausage. For best results, wrap sausages tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or place them in an airtight freezer bag.
  • Make sure to label the sausages with the date you froze them so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
  • When you’re ready to use frozen chicken sausage, thaw it in the fridge overnight, not at room temperature, to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

• Avoid Storing At Room Temperature

  • Do not leave chicken sausage out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. If you’re grilling or cooking sausages, always return leftovers to the fridge promptly.

Expert Tips

• Vacuum Sealing: If you buy chicken sausage in bulk or make your own, consider investing in a vacuum sealer. Vacuum-sealed bags keep air out, reducing the risk of freezer burn and extending the sausage’s shelf life in both the fridge and freezer.
• Cook First, Then Freeze: If you have cooked chicken sausage leftover, it can freeze well. In fact, freezing cooked sausage can help preserve its texture better than freezing it raw. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating Safely: When reheating chicken sausage, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to kill off any bacteria that may have grown. Using a food thermometer can help ensure it’s heated safely.
• Use Within a Week After Opening: After you open a package of chicken sausage, it’s best to consume it within a week, even if the “sell by” date hasn’t passed. Bacteria can begin to grow even when it’s refrigerated.

FAQs

How Can You Tell If Chicken Sausage Has Gone Bad?

Signs that chicken sausage has gone bad include a sour or off smell, discoloration (such as green or grayish hues), and slimy or sticky texture. If the sausage feels tacky or excessively greasy, it is also a sign of spoilage.

How Long Does Chicken Sausage Last In The Fridge?

Cooked chicken sausage can last in the fridge for up to 4-7 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Uncooked chicken sausage should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase.

Can Chicken Sausage Be Frozen?

Yes, chicken sausage can be frozen. When stored in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, it can last for up to 3-4 months in the freezer without compromising taste or texture.

What Happens If You Eat Bad Chicken Sausage?

Eating bad chicken sausage can lead to food poisoning, with symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause more severe health issues if the meat has been contaminated by harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria.

Is It Safe To Eat Chicken Sausage Past Its Expiration Date?

Eating chicken sausage past its expiration date is not recommended. While some sausages may still be safe for a short period beyond the date, the quality and safety cannot be guaranteed, especially if the sausage shows signs of spoilage.

How Should You Store Chicken Sausage To Prevent It From Going Bad?

Chicken sausage should be stored in the fridge at or below 40°F (4°C). If it is not going to be consumed within a few days, it should be frozen immediately. Always store sausage in airtight packaging or containers to reduce exposure to air and moisture.

Can You Eat Cooked Chicken Sausage After A Week In The Fridge?

Cooked chicken sausage can typically be eaten within 4-7 days if properly stored in the fridge. After a week, the sausage may still be safe to eat but could have a decline in taste and texture. It’s important to check for signs of spoilage before consumption.

How Long Can Uncooked Chicken Sausage Stay In The Fridge?

Uncooked chicken sausage should ideally be cooked within 1-2 days after purchase. If you can’t cook it within this time frame, it should be frozen to maintain its quality.

Can The Smell Of Chicken Sausage Change As It Ages?

Yes, as chicken sausage ages, its smell can change. A fresh sausage should have a mild, savory aroma. If it starts to smell sour, rancid, or off, it’s a clear sign that the sausage has gone bad and should be discarded.

Does Cooking Chicken Sausage Extend Its Shelf Life?

Cooking chicken sausage can slightly extend its shelf life compared to uncooked sausage. Once cooked, the sausage should be eaten within 4-7 days if refrigerated, or it can be frozen for up to 3-4 months.