To tell if turkey bacon is bad, you will notice a change in color. Fresh turkey bacon is a light pink color. If it turns brown or gray, it’s probably going bad.
There may even be blue or green tones, which are a clear sign that the turkey bacon has mold and needs to be thrown away right away. In addition to color, you should also pay attention to the smell and texture of the turkey bacon.
If you’re a fan of turkey bacon, you know how delicious it can be. But like any food, it can go bad. Knowing how to tell if your turkey bacon has gone bad is important to avoid getting sick.
I’m going to talk about some ways to tell if your turkey bacon has gone bad and what to do if you think it has.
Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat alternative to traditional pork bacon. But with any packaged food, an expiration date is given to indicate freshness and safety. So what happens if you discover an unopened pack of turkey bacon past its expiration date? Is it still okay to cook up and eat? Let’s explore the safety considerations around eating turkey bacon after the expiration date.
How to Read the Expiration Date on Turkey Bacon
First, it’s important to understand the different dates on a turkey bacon package. There are typically two main dates:
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Sell-by date: This is the last recommended date for the store to sell the product. It still has some shelf life left after this date.
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Use-by/Best-by date: This is the last date recommended for optimal quality and flavor. It’s not a safety date except for when used on infant formula.
So for turkey bacon, the use-by date indicates when you can expect best taste, but it may still be safe to eat for a period afterwards. The sell-by date is more for the store’s use.
Is Unopened Expired Turkey Bacon Safe to Eat?
If stored properly in the unopened original packaging, turkey bacon can typically last 1-2 weeks past the expiration date and still be safe to eat. The preservatives in the cured meat help it last longer than fresh meats.
Signs that unopened expired turkey bacon may be unsafe
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Package is damaged, punctured, or leaking This could lead to contamination.
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Bulging or leaking package indicates spoilage bacteria producing gas.
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Color changes to brown, blue, green.
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Slimy texture or foul, rancid odor if package opened.
If the unopened package still looks normal with no signs of damage, the turkey bacon is likely still safe to cook and eat. But quality declines, so it’s best to freeze at this point if you don’t plan to eat it soon.
What Happens When You Cook Expired Turkey Bacon?
Cooking can destroy some bacteria that causes food poisoning. Turkey bacon reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F when cooked properly. So cooking expired turkey bacon makes it safer.
However, some toxins bacteria produce are not destroyed by heat. So if turkey bacon is far past its date and bacteria has multiplied significantly, cooking may not make it safe.
Pay attention when cooking expired turkey bacon:
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Foul odor is a sign it’s gone bad. Discard if the cooked turkey bacon smells rancid or “off.”
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Change in color to gray, green, or blue indicates mold growth. Do not eat moldy turkey bacon.
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Soft or slimy texture is also a red flag for spoilage. Turkey bacon should be firm when properly cooked.
When unsure, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
How to Store Turkey Bacon Safely
To get the longest safe shelf life out of your turkey bacon after opening:
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Refrigerate raw turkey bacon at 40°F or below. Keep in original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
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Use within 5-7 days for highest quality, or freeze for longer storage.
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Freeze turkey bacon up to 2-3 months for best flavor. Thaw in fridge before using.
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Opened packages will have shorter shelf life than unopened. Use opened bacon within 3-5 days.
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Don’t allow raw turkey bacon juices to drip on other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Proper refrigerator temperatures and food handling greatly impact how long turkey bacon stays fresh and safe.
Can You Freeze Expired Turkey Bacon?
Freezing can stop bacteria from multiplying further in expired turkey bacon. As long as the turkey bacon has been continuously refrigerated and the package is intact, it can be safely frozen up to 2-3 months past the printed expiration date.
Follow safe freezing guidelines:
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Freeze expired turkey bacon immediately at 0°F. Don’t allow extra time at room temperature.
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Use freezer bags or airtight containers to prevent freezer burn. Squeeze out air.
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Once thawed, use turkey bacon within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze thawed turkey bacon.
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If any odor or slime develops when thawing, discard turkey bacon rather than cooking.
The freezing process itself does not kill bacteria already present. So expired turkey bacon that wasn’t properly refrigerated or is past its prime may still be unsafe when thawed and cooked.
What Are Signs of Turkey Bacon Gone Bad?
Rely on your senses to determine if thawed expired turkey bacon is still okay:
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Look: Mold, slimy texture, or unnatural colors like green, blue, or gray indicate spoilage.
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Smell: Rancid or “off” odors mean the turkey bacon has spoiled.
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Feel: Slippery, sticky, or mushy texture is a sign of bacteria growth.
When in doubt, remember the saying “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk eating turkey bacon that shows any of these signs of spoilage.
Can Eating Expired Turkey Bacon Make You Sick?
If turkey bacon has developed harmful bacteria, eating it can cause food poisoning with symptoms like:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Fever, chills, headache
- Fatigue and muscle aches
Sensitive groups like pregnant women, young children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for foodborne illness.
Bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli are common culprits. See a doctor immediately if you have severe symptoms or they last more than a day or two.
Tips to Prevent Turkey Bacon From Going Bad
A few simple habits can help your turkey bacon stay fresh longer:
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Check sell-by and use-by dates in store and purchase packages with furthest dates.
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Use unopened turkey bacon within 2 weeks of purchasing for best quality.
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Immediately refrigerate turkey bacon when home and use within 5-7 days.
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Wrap opened packages tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. Eliminate air exposure.
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Cook turkey bacon thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature to kill bacteria.
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Refrigerate and reheat leftovers promptly. Discard after 3-4 days.
Being mindful of food safety practices helps avoid having to toss expired turkey bacon. But if ever in doubt, don’t risk getting sick. Play it safe and throw away turkey bacon past its prime.
The Bottom Line on Eating Expired Turkey Bacon
While unopened, properly stored turkey bacon can often be safely eaten shortly after the printed expiration date, quality and taste decline after the use-by date. Once opened, use turkey bacon within 3-5 days for best freshness.
If cooking expired turkey bacon, inspect carefully for any signs of spoilage. Discard if you detect foul odors, slime, or unnatural colors as these indicate bacteria growth. Thorough cooking can kill some bacteria, but not toxins.
Freezing can extend the shelf life for 2-3 months past expiration, but spoiled turkey bacon should still be discarded. And if ever in doubt about the safety, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it out.
By properly handling, storing, and inspecting your turkey bacon, you can enjoy every last slice while staying food safe. Just be aware of the signs of spoilage in expired turkey bacon and stick to the recommended storage times.
How To Tell If Turkey Bacon Is Bad
When you buy turkey bacon, it is important to check the expiration date before purchasing. If the expiration date is approaching or has passed, it is best to avoid buying it.
Once you have purchased the turkey bacon, check the packaging for any signs of damage or punctures. If the turkey bacon is still in its original package and before its expiration date, you can be sure that it is still fresh.
If you have cooked turkey bacon, you should check for any signs of spoilage before consuming it.
Spoiled turkey bacon will have a sour smell and may have a slimy texture. If the turkey bacon has any discoloration or an off odor, it is best to discard it.
If you have leftover turkey bacon, it is important to store it properly to prevent spoilage.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days.
If you have frozen turkey bacon, check for freezer burn before consuming it.
Freezer burn happens when turkey bacon is left out in the air in the freezer, which dries it out and changes its color.
If the turkey bacon looks like it’s been frozen, like if it’s white or gray, you can still eat it, but it won’t taste good.
If you follow these tips, you can be sure that your turkey bacon is safe to eat and avoid getting any food-borne illnesses.
When Does Turkey Bacon Begin To Spoil?
Raw turkey bacon typically has a shelf life of 7-14 days in the refrigerator, after being opened.
However, this can vary depending on factors such as the sell-by date, packaging, and storage conditions. So, check the expiration date and use-by date.
It could mean that your turkey bacon has gone bad if it turns brown or gray.
Once you see any changes in color, like blue or green spots, you know the bacon has gone bad and needs to be thrown away right away.
If your turkey bacon has a bad odor, it is a clear indication that it has gone bad.
It is important to trust your nose when deciding if your bacon is still safe to eat. A rancid or sour smell is often a sign of spoilage.
It’s clear that your turkey bacon has gone bad if it feels slimy or sticky when you touch it. Often, this is caused by too much water, which can help bacteria and other harmful microorganisms grow.
Keep in mind that lactic acid bacteria, which are not harmful to people, often live in raw meat. However, if these bacteria are allowed to multiply, they can eventually lead to spoilage and food poisoning.
To keep your turkey bacon fresh, put it in the fridge in its original packaging or wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Vacuum-sealed or zip lock bags are also an option for longer storage periods.
Leave it in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water, when thawing your turkey bacon. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.
It is important to follow the right handling and cooking steps when cooking your turkey bacon to make sure it is safe to eat. Clean your hands and any surfaces you touch with raw meat after handling it. Cook the bacon until it is soft and bendable.
In the end, if you think your turkey bacon has gone bad, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it away right away.
Can You Use Bacon After Use By Date?
Does turkey bacon expire?
Yes, turkey bacon does expire. Unopened turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or seven days past the expiration date. Once opened, turkey bacon can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Raw turkey bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for a week and in the freezer for up to four months.
How long can you keep unopened turkey bacon?
Unopened turkey bacon can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This period can be extended by an additional seven days past the expiration date printed on the package.
Does turkey bacon go bad?
If you suspect that a package of turkey bacon has been sitting for a little too long in your fridge, here’s how to tell if it’s gone bad. While turkey bacon’s shelf life can vary, it is generally good for 7-14 days after the sell-by date or the date of opening. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and stick to the shorter timeframe.
Can you eat turkey bacon if it has not been opened?
If the package is sealed shut (never opened) and the date hasn’t passed, the turkey bacon should be perfectly fine as long as it was kept cold. Once you open your turkey bacon, however, you can’t just go by the date on the package. Once air gets into the package there’s always a chance for bacteria to develop.
How long can you eat turkey bacon after opening?
Opened Packages: Once opened, it’s advisable to consume turkey bacon within seven days. Keep it in the original packaging if resealable, or transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
How long does uncooked bacon last after expiration date?
The shelf life of uncooked bacon after its expiration date varies depending on whether it has been opened or not. If unopened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks past the expiration date or up to eight months in the freezer.