Quick Answers
Ground turkey that has passed its “sell by” date can still be safe to eat if it has been properly stored. Ground turkey typically lasts 1-2 days past its sell by date if refrigerated at 40°F or below. Frozen ground turkey is good for 3-4 months past the sell by date if kept frozen solid at 0°F. Use your eyes, nose, and common sense to determine if ground turkey seems spoiled before eating it past its date. Discoloration, sliminess, or foul odors are signs to discard it. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to Tell if Ground Turkey is Bad
Here are some signs that ground turkey has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Grayish or greenish discoloration
- Slimy texture
- Foul, sour, or ammonia-like smell
- Mold growth
- Expired sell by or use by date
Trust your senses. If ground turkey looks, smells or feels bad, do not eat it. Safety first. When in doubt, throw it out.
Sell By vs. Use By vs. Best By Dates
There are several different kinds of dates on ground turkey packages, which can lead to confusion. Here’s what each one means:
- Sell By Date – Last recommended day of sale. Stores use this for stock rotation. You can still eat it for 1-2 days after.
- Use By Date – Last date recommended for peak quality. Ground turkey will rapidly deteriorate after this date.
- Best By Date – Suggested date for best flavor or quality. Turkey may still be good after this date.
The sell by date is not an expiration date, but a general guideline for when to use the product. Always use your best judgment.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last Refrigerated?
Properly stored, ground turkey lasts for:
- Fresh, raw ground turkey: 1-2 days past sell by date
- Cooked ground turkey: 3-4 days in the fridge
- Turkey burger patties: 3-4 days refrigerated
The shelf life of ground turkey depends on type and preparation method. Fresh ground turkey lasts only 1 to 2 days beyond a sell by date while cooked turkey lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Refrigeration Temperature
To maximize ground turkey’s shelf life, it’s important to store it at the proper refrigerator temperature, which is 40°F or below. Check your fridge’s temperature to ensure correct settings. Higher temperatures promote bacteria growth.
Can You Freeze Ground Turkey After Sell By Date?
Yes, you can safely freeze ground turkey past its sell by date if it has been continuously refrigerated to 40°F or below. Make sure turkey has no signs of spoilage before freezing. For best quality, freeze ground turkey within 1-2 days of the sell by date.
Properly frozen ground turkey will last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Turkey that has been in the fridge for more than 4 days past its sell by date should be discarded rather than frozen.
How to Freeze Ground Turkey
Here are some tips for freezing ground turkey:
- Double wrap turkey in plastic wrap or freezer bags.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Label package with contents and freeze-by date (3-4 months from freeze date).
- Freeze immediately at 0°F. Do not allow turkey to thaw before freezing.
- Once frozen solid, turkey can be transferred to a freezer storage bag to consolidate space.
Proper freezing prevents freezer burn and maintains quality. Use frozen ground turkey within 3 to 4 months for best flavor and texture.
Is Frozen Ground Turkey Safe After Sell By Date?
Frozen ground turkey with no signs of freezer burn remains safe to eat indefinitely past its sell by date if it has been stored continuously in the freezer at 0°F. Quality will degrade over time so it’s best to eat frozen ground turkey within 3 to 4 months.
For optimal food safety and quality, follow these guidelines:
- Check package for signs of freezer burn or ice crystals, which indicate moisture loss.
- Inspect turkey when thawing and cooking. Discard if you see signs of spoilage.
- Cook thawed ground turkey within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze previously frozen raw turkey.
As long as frozen ground turkey remains frozen with no freezer burn, it will be safe to eat even if the sell by date has long passed. However, older frozen turkey may suffer some loss of quality and flavor.
How to Know If Thawed Ground Turkey Is Bad
Here are some signs that thawed ground turkey has gone bad and should be thrown away:
- Grayish color or foul odor
- Slimy, sticky, or tacky consistency
- Mold growth anywhere on the meat
- Discoloration or dark spots on turkey
When thawing frozen ground turkey, it’s important to thaw in the refrigerator below 40°F, not on the counter. Refrigerator thawing helps prevent bacterial growth.
Use thawed ground turkey within 1 to 2 days and cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature. Discard any turkey that smells bad or appears spoiled after thawing.
Does Cooking Kill Bacteria in Old Turkey?
Thorough cooking will kill bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli that may be present in expired ground turkey. However, some toxins produced by bacteria may not be destroyed by cooking temperatures.
So it’s still important to discard turkey that shows signs of spoilage. Cooking spoiled, rotten meat is unsafe and the bacteria toxins could cause food poisoning. Don’t take risks with suspect turkey – when in doubt, throw it out.
Safe Cooking Temperatures
Cook all ground turkey to a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy potentially harmful bacteria:
- Ground turkey: 165°F
- Turkey burgers: 165°F
- Turkey sausages: 165°F
Use a food thermometer to verify safe internal temperatures. Partial cooking and/or microwaving may not heat turkey evenly throughout to kill bacteria. Reheating fully cooked turkey to 165°F is recommended.
How to Store Ground Turkey Safely
To maximize freshness and shelf life, store ground turkey properly:
- Refrigerate ground turkey at 40°F or below. Freeze for longer shelf life.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Use ground turkey within 1-2 days of the sell by date, or freeze.
- Cook to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Proper refrigeration and freezing prevents spoilage and bacteria growth, keeping ground turkey safe and extending its shelf life. Follow food safety rules when handling, cooking, and storing ground turkey.
Can You Eat Spoiled Ground Turkey If Cooked Thoroughly?
No, you should never knowingly eat spoiled ground turkey, even if you plan to cook it thoroughly. Spoiled turkey may contain dangerous bacteria toxins that can cause illness.
Here are some risks of eating spoiled turkey:
- Foodborne pathogens like salmonella, Listeria, E. coli
- Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting
- Flu-like fever, chills, body aches
- Potentially life-threatening complications
Cooking cannot destroy all the toxins released by bacteria. Consuming spoiled meat or poultry is simply not worth the health risks. If in doubt, throw it out.
Tips for Cooking With Old Ground Turkey
If cooking ground turkey that’s nearing or just past its sell by date, follow these tips:
- Inspect raw turkey closely for sliminess, stickiness, foul odors, or other signs of spoilage. If present, discard.
- Cook turkey immediately after removing from refrigerator.
- Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature as measured by a food thermometer.
- Check for pink or red meat juices to ensure doneness – juices should run clear.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw turkey.
- Refrigerate cooked turkey within 2 hours; use within 3 days.
Following proper cooking procedures can reduce your risk of foodborne illness when working with older ground turkey. But your safest bet is to freeze turkey 1-2 days before sell by date or discard anything that seems spoiled.
Substituting Other Meats if Ground Turkey is Expired
If your ground turkey has passed its prime, you have several tasty options for substituting in recipes:
- Ground beef or pork – Use same amount; may need to adjust seasonings.
- Chicken or sausage – Substitute equal amounts in casseroles, pasta, etc. May require tweaking seasonings.
- Diced or canned chicken – Replace in soups, chilis, salads. Boost flavors to compensate for milder taste.
- Canned beans, lentils, or chickpeas – Great for tacos, chili, soups. Provides an extra boost of fiber and protein.
- Soy crumbles – Rehydrate per package directions. Add to pasta sauce, stuffed peppers, anywhere you’d use ground meat.
With some creative substitutions, you can salvage recipes without eating questionable turkey. Make sure to modify seasoning amounts to suit the new ingredients.
Food Safety Tips for Raw Ground Turkey
Raw ground turkey is highly perishable and requires proper handling to prevent foodborne illness. Follow these food safety guidelines:
- Refrigerate turkey immediately and cook within 1-2 days.
- Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge, not at room temperature.
- Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
- Avoid cross-contamination of utensils, cutting boards, hands, etc.
- Store cooked turkey below 40°F; use within 3 days.
- When reheating, cook to 165°F.
- Discard any turkey with an off smell or appearance.
Practicing diligent food safety procedures reduces your risks when handling raw turkey. Be extra cautious with expired turkey meat and never consume turkey that appears rotten.
Most Common Foodborne Illnesses from Ground Turkey
Here are some of the pathogens to watch out for with raw turkey:
- Salmonella – Leading cause of bacterial food poisoning with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- Campylobacter – Can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
- Clostridium – Can have toxins that cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Listeria – Especially risky for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Always handle and cook ground turkey carefully to avoid contamination and illness. Safety first.
Signs of Spoiled Cooked Ground Turkey
Cooked ground turkey that has gone bad may display these signs:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture or grayish color
- Unpleasant sour or rancid smell
- Change in consistency – excessively soft, mushy, dried out
- Discoloration or dark spots appear
Cooked turkey can spoil faster than raw turkey if not stored properly. Follow safe refrigeration guidelines. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to Store Cooked Ground Turkey
For optimum safety and quality, store cooked ground turkey:
- In a sealed container in the fridge.
- At a temperature of 40°F or below.
- For only 3 to 4 days maximum.
- In the freezer for 3 to 4 months if freezing.
Rapid chilling of cooked turkey within 2 hours helps prevent bacterial growth. Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days and frozen turkey within 3-4 months for best quality.
Summary
Here are some key takeaways on the safety of expired ground turkey:
- Sell by dates are not precise expiration dates. Ground turkey may be fine 1-2 days past sell by if refrigerated.
- Watch for signs of spoilage like foul odors, sliminess, or mold. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Frozen ground turkey keeps for 3-4 months past sell by date if properly frozen at 0°F.
- Refrigerate ground turkey at 40°F and cook thoroughly to 165°F.
- Avoid eating ground turkey that looks or smells spoiled. Cooking spoiled meat is unsafe.
- Err on the side of caution and discard expired turkey. The risks are simply not worth getting sick over.
Being an informed consumer and following sound food safety practices is key to avoiding illness from expired ground turkey. Use caution, be vigilant, and know when to throw turkey away.
