Is five day old chicken salad safe?

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Chicken is a highly perishable food, and bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature. Even in the refrigerator, bacteria can still multiply, especially after several days.

* Spoilage: As the chicken spoils, it can develop an off-flavor, odor, and texture.

* Foodborne Illness: Eating spoiled chicken salad can increase your risk of food poisoning, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

General Food Safety Guidelines:

* Refrigerate promptly: Chicken salad should be refrigerated within two hours of being made (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F).

* Use within 3-4 days: For optimal safety and quality, chicken salad should be consumed within 3-4 days of being made.

* Proper reheating: If you choose to eat refrigerated chicken salad, be sure to reheat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria.

In short, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw away any chicken salad that's been sitting out for five days. Your health is worth it!