How Long Can You Keep an Uncooked Turkey in the Fridge?

How long is too long to keep a turkey in the refrigerator? Is it better to leave it frozen until I’m ready to cook it? I am thinking of purchasing my turkey early to beat the rush at the grocery store.

I have also read that when you defrost a raw frozen turkey, you should not place it on a kitchen counter at room temperature. Is this true?

Thank you for your questions! Food safety is so important, especially when having a large gathering.

Our food safety guidance for refrigerating whole, uncooked turkey and poultry are 1-2 days at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Turkey can be frozen for up to one year.

When preparing a turkey, you will need to clean any surfaces the turkey touches with hot soapy water, rinse and apply a sanitizing solution that can air dry for 15 minutes. This includes pans and utensils, countertops and any drips in the refrigerator or microwave. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water when handling raw meat.

You are correct; it is unsafe to thaw a frozen turkey at room temperature. This is because the outer part of the turkey warms up faster than the rest of the bird, causing bacteria to multiply much faster.

Some bacteria in cooked foods are heat resistant and not destroyed by cooking, so safe storage and thawing methods are crucial.

The increased number of bacteria also makes cross-contamination much more likely, which is one of the biggest causes of foodborne illness. Some bacteria in cooked foods are heat resistant and not destroyed by cooking, so safe storage and thawing methods are crucial.

Children under 10 years of age, pregnant women, people with reduced immune systems and adults over 65 are more at risk of getting seriously ill from food poisoning. Salmonella can make pets sick too, so safe disposal of poultry is also important.

Check out the OSU Extension article Turkey Basics for more information, including how to cook and store leftover turkey.

If you have a question about meat, poultry, or egg products, call the United States Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline toll-free at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email them at [email protected]. The hotline offers services in both English and Spanish.

This resource from the USDA has additional safety tips: Stay Food Safe this Thanksgiving Holiday, USDA

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, many home cooks are preparing to cook a tasty turkey for their holiday meals. One common question that arises is – how long can you safely store an uncooked turkey in the refrigerator before cooking and serving it?

Having the right storage timeframe is crucial for food safety, and also ensures you end up with a high-quality turkey on the big day. In this article, we’ll dive into the commonly asked questions around storing uncooked turkey in the fridge and provide some helpful tips and guidance.

The Recommended Fridge Storage Timeline

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is recommended to store an uncooked whole turkey in the refrigerator for only 1-2 days before cooking it This short timeline helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the turkey fresh.

Freezing the turkey is a great alternative if you don’t plan to cook it within a day or two of purchasing it. A frozen turkey can last in the freezer for up to a year without significant quality loss.

Why Is Proper Fridge Storage Important?

Keeping the uncooked turkey refrigerated properly serves multiple purposes:

It inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. Salmonella is a common bacteria associated with raw poultry that can really make your holiday meals memorable for all the wrong reasons.
It maintains the quality and fresh flavor of the turkey meat. Turkey that’s stored for too long can start deteriorating and develop an unpleasant odor or slimy texture.
It retains the juiciness and prevents the turkey meat from drying out when cooking.

Following the recommended storage times and conditions allows you to enjoy a delicious, safe meal on your holiday table.

Factors That Influence Fridge Storage Life

There are a few key factors that play a role in how long an uncooked turkey will last when refrigerated:

Temperature of the fridge: The fridge should be set between 34-40°F to store turkey safely. Consistent, sufficiently cold temps prevent spoilage.
Condition of the turkey: Was it fresh when purchased? Was it chilled properly during transport and storage at the grocery store? Signs of spoilage include foul odor, slimy feel, or discolored meat.
Packaging: Was the turkey packaged properly? Leaks or damage can lead to contamination and decreased shelf life. Air-tight, freezer-safe wrapping is ideal.
Handling: Proper handling like quickly refrigerating once home, avoiding cross-contamination, and preventing temperature fluctuations optimizes storage time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the commonly asked questions around fridge storage of raw turkey:

Can I keep an uncooked turkey in the fridge for more than 2 days? Not recommended. Even when refrigerated, bacteria can multiply quickly on raw poultry given enough time. Stick to 1-2 days only.
Can I freeze an uncooked turkey instead? Absolutely! Freezing permits long-term storage. Keep frozen turkey wrapped tightly up to a year.
How long can I keep an uncooked turkey in the freezer? About 9-12 months in the freezer before quality loss. Use within 6 months for best flavor.
What temperature should the fridge be? Set between 34-40°F. Use a thermometer to verify the temperature where the turkey is located.
Can I store it in the original store packaging? It’s better to repackage in an airtight, leak-proof bag or container to avoid contamination.
Can I stuff and truss the turkey before refrigerating? It’s actually better not to stuff it ahead of time. Trussing is ok but stuffing can introduce bacteria.
How do I know if the turkey has spoiled? Check for foul odor, slimy texture, sticky surface, or discolored/grey meat spots. When in doubt, throw it out.
Should I rinse the turkey before refrigerating? Washing raw poultry can actually help spread bacteria. Pat dry with paper towels instead.
Can I let the turkey sit out while prepping? Never leave turkey out at room temperature. Refrigerate immediately until ready to cook.

Tips for Proper Storage

Follow these tips for safely storing uncooked turkey in the refrigerator:

Refrigerate the turkey immediately after purchasing. Use an ice chest or cooler if traveling.
Use original packaging or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Avoid leakage or cross-contamination.
Place turkey on a tray or pan to catch any juices and prevent contamination.
Store turkey on a bottom shelf to keep juices from dripping onto other foods.
Make sure fridge temp is 34-40°F. Use a thermometer to verify. Turn the temp down 24 hours prior if needed.
Avoid overpacking the fridge. Air circulation is key. Do not stack items directly on the turkey.
Set a reminder to cook the turkey within the 1-2 recommended days for safety and quality.
Discard turkey if you notice any foul odors, sliminess, or sticky/grey appearance. Don’t risk eating spoiled turkey.

Can You Refrigerate a Thawed Turkey Again?

Turkeys that have been fully thawed in the refrigerator can be safely stored for another 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking. However, thawed turkey should never be refrozen as bacteria may have started multiplying during the defrosting process.

When initially freezing a fresh turkey or thawing a frozen one in the fridge, be sure to allow ample time based on the turkey’s size and weight. A large turkey needs 24+ hours to thaw fully.

Only thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, never at room temperature or in warm water. This keeps the turkey at a safe temperature during the defrosting period.

The Takeaway

Respecting the short 1-2 day timeframe for fridge storage of raw turkey is key for freshness and food safety. Exceeding this timeline risks potential bacterial growth and spoilage. Monitor for any signs of spoilage and discard promptly if detected.

Planning your holiday dinner around the recommended storage times ensures you’ll be serving up an appetizing, high-quality turkey to enjoy with your loved ones. Follow proper refrigeration guidelines and your holiday turkey will be memorable for all the right reasons!

how long can i keep uncooked turkey in the fridge