FAQs
USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
Can I eat cooked turkey after 5 days? ›
Cooked turkey and other leftovers can be kept in the fridge safely for about three to four days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FoodSafety.gov say. But after that time, "the risk of food poisoning goes up," the Mayo Clinic notes, pointing to the growth of bacteria in refrigerated leftovers.
How long can a turkey stay in the fridge? ›
Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.
How long before leftover turkey goes bad? ›
How long do the turkey and trimmings stay safe in the refrigerator or freezer? The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later.
How long can a butterball turkey stay in the refrigerator? ›
A thawed turkey may be kept in the refrigerator (40 degrees F or below) up to 4 days before cooking. Frozen Whole Turkeys and Frozen Whole Turkey Breasts need to be thawed before cooking. Thaw Fully Cooked Baked and Smoked Turkeys via the refrigerator method.
Is turkey safe to eat after 7 days? ›
Turkey typically lasts up to four days in the fridge before it goes bad. It can be stored in the freezer for up to four months before it starts to lose its flavor and texture.
How can you tell if turkey is spoiled? ›
Many times people can tell if a turkey is spoiled by the "texture and smell" of the turkey. Hanes said the skin of the turkey may become slimy, and the smell is often described as "rotten eggs or like sulfur."
Can I freeze cooked turkey after 3 days? ›
If your turkey has been properly handled, you can refrigerate and eat it for up to four days. If you are planning to freeze it, it's best to freeze it within one day of cooking for optimal texture and taste. However, leftover turkey can be frozen after three days and it will be fine.
What to do if your turkey has been in the fridge for 3 days and it is still frozen? ›
If your turkey is still frozen solid:
Try a safe quick-thawing method. Cold water: Keep the bird in its airtight packaging or a leak-proof bag, submerge it in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Microwave: Use your manufacturer guidelines to thaw for about 6 minutes per pound.
How long after a turkey is thawed should it be cooked? ›
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking. Foods thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking but there may be some loss of quality.
The bacteria and toxins that form on ground turkey once it goes bad are heat resistant, so they'll still be on the meat after you cook them. Eating any meat with the harmful bacteria could cause nausea, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms, so it's best to just toss it in the trash.
Does turkey go bad quickly? ›
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Can you reheat turkey after 4 days? ›
Safety tips for reheating turkey
Cold, cooked turkey meat will keep in the fridge for up to four days, but always use your best judgement. Always reheat cold turkey until it's piping hot, not just warmed through. Only reheat cooked turkey once.
Is it OK to eat turkey that's been in the fridge for 2 weeks? ›
USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
How long can an uncooked turkey stay in fridge? ›
Information. It takes approximately 24 hours for every four to five pounds of whole turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two additional days before cooking.
Do Butterball turkeys expire? ›
According to the Butterball Turkey Talk Line, you can keep a turkey stored in the freezer for up to two years, and it's still safe to cook. You might, however, end up dealing with a not-so-tasty bird keeping it that long.
Can you use 5 day old turkey in soup? ›
I know that leftover turkey should be used up in 3 to 4 days.
Can I eat 5 day old deli turkey? ›
Per foodsafety.gov and the USDA, refrigerated lunchmeat lasts 3 to 5 days after opening or up to 2 weeks in an unopened package.
Are leftovers good after 7 days? ›
According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that. Some foods should be even be thrown away before the 7 day mark.
Can cooked ground turkey last 5 days? ›
It is generally recommended to consume cooked ground turkey within 3-4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. After 5 days, there is an increased risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness. It is best to discard the ground turkey to ensure your safety.