Ground turkey is a highly versatile and healthy meat that can be used in many delicious recipes. It’s been a while since you bought ground turkey from the butcher. Do you think it will last longer in the fridge or should you just put it in the freezer?
It typically lasts in the fridge for two to three days. If it’s already cooked, it can last up to four days.
Frozen ground turkey remains safe to eat indefinitely if it’s stored the right way. However, it’s recommended to thaw and cook it within four months of freezing.
Ground turkey is a popular choice for many delicious recipes. It’s lean, versatile, and quick to cook. However, like any raw meat, it has a limited shelf life. So is it safe to eat ground turkey after the use by date printed on the package? Let’s take a closer look.
What Does the Use By Date on Ground Turkey Mean?
The use by date indicates the last day the manufacturer recommends consuming the ground turkey for peak quality and safety, This date is determined by conducting shelf life studies under proper storage conditions,
It’s important to note the use by date is not an indicator of when the meat will spoil. Rather, it communicates when the decreasing quality may make the product less desirable to eat.
How Long After the Use By Date Is Ground Turkey Still Good?
With proper refrigeration raw ground turkey can safely be consumed 1-3 days past the use by date printed on the packaging. Ground meat is more perishable than whole cuts due to the grinding process exposing more surface area to potential spoilage bacteria.
Here are some general freshness guidelines for refrigerated ground turkey:
- Unopened, original packaging: Use within 1-2 days past use by date
- Opened package: Use within 1-2 days
- Frozen, then thawed: Use within 1-2 days
However, there are some exceptions. For example, if the ground turkey is sealed in an airtight freezer bag and stored at a constant temperature below 40°F, it may last 3-4 days past the date.
The most accurate determination involves evaluating the color, smell, and texture rather than relying solely on the date.
How to Tell If Ground Turkey Is Bad After the Use By Date
Because ground turkey has a shorter shelf life than other meats, it’s important to use your senses to determine if it’s gone bad. Here are some signs that indicate spoiled ground turkey:
- Unpleasant or sour odor
- Grayish, greenish, or brownish tint
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Mold growth
If you notice any of these characteristics or the ground turkey has been mishandled during storage, it’s best to discard it. When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Can You Cook and Eat Ground Turkey After the Use By Date?
Some sources claim you can cook and safely eat turkey even after the use by date as long as you thoroughly cook it to destroy harmful bacteria. However, this is generally not recommended.
There are risks to eating turkey past its prime:
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Quality rapidly deteriorates past the use by date, resulting in undesirable taste and texture.
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Spoilage bacteria can produce toxins that may not be destroyed by cooking.
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Pathogens like salmonella are more likely to be present. Proper cooking can destroy salmonella but not the toxins it produces.
So for optimal safety and quality, it’s advisable to discard ground turkey 1-2 days past the printed use by date, even if cooked thoroughly. Don’t rely on cooking to make old turkey safe to eat.
Tips for Safely Handling Ground Turkey
To get the most out of your ground turkey and avoid premature spoilage, follow these simple tips:
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Check use by date on packaging and purchase the product with the latest date possible.
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Refrigerate promptly in original packaging or transfer to a sealed container. Keep at 40°F or below.
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Rinse hands before and after handling. Avoid cross-contamination.
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Cook within 1-2 days after purchase or freeze for later use within 4 months.
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When cooking, use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Refrigerate leftovers in shallow containers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Following proper purchasing, storage, handling, and cooking guidelines will keep ground turkey fresh and minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, even after the use by date.
The Bottom Line
The use by date on ground turkey is an important guide but not definitive. With appropriate refrigeration and handling, it may be fine up to 3-4 days past the printed date. However, it’s impossible to know for certain how long it will stay fresh.
Relying on the use by date alone is not foolproof. The most reliable way to determine if ground turkey is safe and good quality is using your senses. Check for foul odors, color changes, or slimy texture and discard if detected.
When assessing food safety, it’s better to err on the side of caution. If there’s any doubt about the freshness of ground turkey, even if the use by date hasn’t passed, it’s best not to risk eating it. Safely cook and consume it within 1-2 days for optimal quality and safety.
Thawing In The Fridge
One way to thaw some frozen ground turkey is to leave it in the fridge overnight.
This is the best way to do it because you can keep it in the fridge for an extra day or two before it goes bad.
How Long Does It Last in Fridge If It Is Cooked?
Ground turkey that has already been cooked can stay in the fridge for a little longer.
If you store it in a container that keeps air out, it should be safe to eat for three to four days.
If you make a lot of food, you can keep it in the freezer for up to four months without it going bad.
This makes it easy to have ready-made meals that only need to be thawed, heated, and taken out of the freezer.
How long is raw ground turkey good for in the fridge?
FAQ
Can I eat ground turkey 2 days past use-by date?
Can you eat cooked turkey after use-by date?
Can you eat ground turkey past the use-by date on Reddit?
How to tell if turkey has gone bad?
Can you eat ground turkey after use-by date?
Ground turkey can still be safe to eat for 1-2 days after the use-by date, as long as it has been stored properly in the refrigerator. Can you freeze ground turkey after the use-by date? Yes, you can freeze ground turkey after the use-by date. Make sure to package it properly in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain its quality.
Can you eat ground turkey if it expires?
Ground turkey can still be eaten if it is one day past the expiration date. However, it is important to check for signs of spoilage, such as a change in color, odor, or texture. If any of these signs are present, the ground turkey should be discarded.
Can you freeze ground turkey after the use-by date?
Yes, you can freeze ground turkey after the use-by date. Make sure to package it properly in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain its quality. What are some safe ways to use up ground turkey after the use-by date? You can use ground turkey in a variety of dishes such as tacos, meatballs, burgers, and stir-fries.
Is it safe to eat ground turkey raw?
No, it is not safe to consume ground turkey raw. Ground turkey should always be cooked thoroughly to eliminate any harmful bacteria. In conclusion, ground turkey is safe to consume for 1-2 days after its use-by date, if it shows no signs of spoilage.
How do you know if ground turkey is safe to eat?
There are a few common signs to look for when determining if ground turkey is safe to eat, especially after the use-by date. First, look for any changes in color. Ground turkey should appear pink or light brown, and any discoloration could indicate spoilage. In addition, pay attention to the texture and smell of the meat.
Does ground turkey have an expiration date?
When it comes to meat, it’s always important to pay attention to expiration dates and use-by dates to ensure that you’re consuming food that is safe and fresh. In the case of ground turkey, the use-by date is an important indicator of its freshness and safety. However, the use-by date is not necessarily a hard and fast rule.