Should You Eat Turkey This Thanksgiving?

Historians are still unsure if turkey meat was served at the first Thanksgiving, but nonetheless, these affectionate and social birds have been considered a Thanksgiving staple for centuries. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that nearly 218 million turkeys are produced each year. Of those, about 46 million turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving meals, according to the USDA. Domestic turkeys, the ones you find in supermarkets for Thanksgiving, can live for up to 10 years. These oversized turkeys are not bred to live long-term; they are slaughtered between 12 weeks and five months old. Modern factory-farmed turkeys are selectively bred to produce more meat, and grow so big that they can’t walk or breathe properly. These birds cannot even mate on their own; they are forcibly artificially inseminated. Today, turkeys are twice the size of turkeys from less than 100 years ago. Turkeys endure immense suffering, physically and mentally, before ending up on a platter. They are stripped of their natural environments, treated poorly and slaughtered in horrific ways. Here are the reasons animal rights activists argue you should not eat turkey this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means turkey is on the menu for many families across the country. However, some people are questioning whether eating turkey is still the best choice for this beloved holiday. There are a few reasons why you may want to rethink serving turkey this Thanksgiving.

Health Concerns

Eating undercooked turkey can lead to foodborne illness, Turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria like salmonella, Proper handling and cooking of turkey is essential There is also the potential for allergic reactions in some individuals who are allergic to turkey

Ethical Farming Practices

Many turkeys raised for consumption are kept in crowded barns with limited ability to engage in natural behaviors. This raises concerns over humane treatment. Seeking out turkeys raised using ethical farming practices is an option. Look for free-range, pasture-raised, or organic turkeys from local farms you trust.

Environmental Impact

Industrial turkey farming can have consequences for the environment, depending on factors like land and water use, feed production, and waste management. Sourcing turkeys raised sustainably with practices that reduce the carbon footprint is an eco-friendly choice.

Alternatives Are Available

If turkey doesn’t work for your Thanksgiving meal, there are so many other delicious options! Tofu, lentils, beans, mushrooms, or a vegetable pot pie make excellent plant-based mains. A roast chicken or ham are traditional alternatives. Get creative with the protein possibilities.

Turkey Can Be Part of a Healthy Diet

Turkey is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. When prepared properly and consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it can be a nutritious choice. Just be mindful of your portion size and what other sides you pair it with.

Tips for Safe Preparation

To safely consume turkey, proper handling is critical. Thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Use separate cutting boards for raw poultry. Cook your turkey thoroughly until it registers 165°F at the thickest part. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Follow these tips to prevent foodborne illness.

Make Your Turkey Special

Instead of a plain roasted bird, get creative with fun twists! Try an herbed compound butter under the skin or stuff the cavity with lemons, herbs, and garlic. Brine your turkey for juicy, flavorful meat. Grill or smoke your turkey for a more distinct taste. There are so many possibilities!

Be Mindful of Food Waste

To avoid contributing to the millions of pounds of Thanksgiving food waste, buy only as much turkey as you need. Get a smaller bird or just cook a breast. Repurpose your leftovers into soups, sandwiches, and other dishes instead of tossing excess turkey.

Consider Dietary Needs

If you or your guests have food restrictions, select a turkey option that works. Look for kosher, gluten-free, or dairy-free turkeys. Make sure to communicate with guests about ingredients and preparation methods that meet their dietary needs.

Make It Meaningful

While turkey has significance as a Thanksgiving tradition for many, be thoughtful of diverse cultural preferences and religious practices among your dinner guests. Offer alternative protein entrees to include all. Focus on time together.

In Summary

Turkey can still absolutely be on the Thanksgiving menu this year if you want to uphold tradition. Just be mindful of proper handling, preparation, and portion size. Source ethical, sustainably raised turkeys when possible. Accommodate any dietary restrictions. Most importantly, cherish the time spent together over your meal.

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A History of Turkey Meat Recalls

Turkey meat recalls are not uncommon, despite the excessive use of antibiotics by farmers. In October 2024, the meat producer BrucePac recalled 11,765,285 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that may have been contaminated with listeria. This included ready-to-eat turkey products at major stores like ALDI and Trader Joe’s.

This pattern goes back years and years: In March of 2019, the popular turkey producer Butterball recalled nearly 80,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products due to a salmonella outbreak. A few months prior, in December of 2018, turkey producer Jennie-O recalled approximately 164,210 pounds of raw ground turkey for the same reason. In November of 2018, just weeks before Thanksgiving, Jennie-O had recalled another 147, 276 pounds of raw ground turkey products.

Turkeys Are Kept in Poor Conditions

In the wild, turkeys forage, build nests and roam around their natural territories, which often stretch over 1,000 acres. Domestic turkeys bred for meat, on the other hand, are forced to live in cramped conditions with as little as 2.5 cubic feet per bird.

Due to the high-stress environments in which young turkeys live, aggressive behavior is common. But instead of raising turkeys in less crowded conditions, farmers reduce the risk of turkey-inflicted injury by trimming off their beaks, cutting off their toes and slicing off their snoods — the red dangling skin that hangs over a turkey’s beak — without anesthetics.

Conditions inside factory farms are cramped, stressful and filthy. Infections are common, since thousands of birds are packed into one common living space without proper care. Some turkeys suffer from skin infections after being pecked by other birds, which is a common behavior on industrial farms.

Often, the large buildings housing turkeys are not properly cleaned, so birds are forced to live in their own excrement. As a result, ammonia levels rise, and birds can develop painful burns and lesions on their feet and legs. The ammonia can also negatively impact turkeys’ respiratory health. Excessive ammonia exposure can also cause hemorrhaging in the birds’ tracheas and bronchi, as well as the thickening of atrial walls and shrinking of air capillaries in their lungs.

Why Don’t We Eat Turkey Eggs!

FAQ

Can you eat a 2 year old turkey?

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Safety:

As long as the turkey has been kept frozen consistently and shows no signs of spoilage (discoloration, slimy texture, foul odor), it is considered safe to eat even after two years.
Quality decline:

The longer a turkey is frozen, the more its texture and flavor can deteriorate, making it potentially tougher and less juicy.
Check for freezer burn:

Before cooking, carefully inspect the turkey for freezer burn, which appears as whitish patches on the meat and should be trimmed off.
Consider taste:

If you plan to eat a very old turkey, you may want to use marinades or brining techniques to improve the flavor and texture.

Is it safe to eat ground turkey 2 days past use by date?