Can smelly cooked chicken cause diseases?

* Spoilage: The smell is usually a sign of bacterial growth. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in cooked chicken, particularly if it's left at room temperature for too long.

* Foodborne Illness: Some bacteria produce toxins that can make you sick, even if the chicken is cooked. These toxins can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

* Common Culprits: Common bacteria found in spoiled chicken include *Salmonella*, *Campylobacter*, and *Clostridium perfringens*.

Important Note: Even if the chicken smells slightly off, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. The risk of getting sick outweighs the potential savings from trying to salvage it.

Here's what you can do to prevent foodborne illness from chicken:

* Cook it thoroughly: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria.

* Refrigerate promptly: Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking, or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).

* Reheat thoroughly: Reheat cooked chicken to 165°F (74°C) before eating.

* Wash your hands and surfaces: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw chicken. Clean all surfaces that have come into contact with raw chicken.

If you experience any symptoms of food poisoning after eating chicken, seek medical attention immediately.