Short Answer: If you accidentally eat expired chicken, you may get food poisoning, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. This is because expired chicken may contain harmful bacteria or toxins that can damage your digestive system and immune system.
Chicken is a type of poultry meat that is rich in protein and low in fat.
It can be cooked in various ways, such as roasting, frying, grilling, or baking.
If you accidentally eat expired chicken, you may experience food poisoning, which is a type of illness caused by harmful bacteria or toxins in food.
Food poisoning can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
This is because expired chicken may contain bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli, or toxins produced by these bacteria.
These bacteria or toxins can multiply rapidly in chicken that is not stored properly or cooked thoroughly.
Bacteria or toxins can damage the lining of your stomach and intestines, causing inflammation and irritation.
They can also affect your immune system and make you more susceptible to other infections.
It is quite common to eat expired chicken due to negligence, confusion, or lack of awareness.
Sometimes, people may not notice the signs of spoilage, such as bad smell, color change, or mold growth.
Other times, people may think that cooking or reheating the chicken will kill the bacteria or toxins and make it safe to eat.
You can treat food poisoning by drinking plenty of fluids, taking over-the-counter medications, and resting.
However, if your symptoms are severe or last for more than 48 hours, you should seek medical attention.
You may need antibiotics, intravenous fluids, or hospitalization.
To avoid accidental eating of expired chicken, you should always check the expiration date and the appearance, smell, and texture of the chicken before buying or cooking it.
You should also store the chicken in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or less, or in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or less, and use it within 3 days of cooking it.
You should also reheat the chicken to at least 165°F (74°C) before eating it.
Finally, remember, chicken is a nutritious and delicious food, but only if it is fresh and safe to eat.
Always follow proper food safety practices to prevent food poisoning and enjoy your chicken meals.