Storing Turkey in the Fridge

• Storing turkey in the fridge is simple when done correctly. Raw turkey pieces should be wrapped in Glad® Press’N Seal® and placed in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEX'N SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. For sliced cold cuts, use a food storage bag, squeezing out excess air before sealing. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw turkey to prevent cross-contamination.

  "Raw turkey: 1–2 days; Cold cuts: Up to 5 days; Cooked turkey leftovers: 3–4 days."

• Here’s a quick breakdown of how long turkey can last in the fridge:

• • Raw turkey: 1–2 days
  • Cold cuts: Up to 5 days
  • Cooked turkey leftovers: 3–4 days

Freezing Cooked and Raw Turkey

• If you don’t plan to eat your turkey within a few days, freezing is a great option. Whether raw or cooked, the process is simple.

• Wrap each piece of turkey in Glad® Press’N Seal®, then place it into an airtight bag like Glad® FLEX’N SEAL™ FOOD Food Storage Quart Bags, squeezing out excess air before sealing. If freezing a whole turkey, wrap it in multiple layers of Glad® Cling'N Seal™ or Glad® Press’N Seal®, then store it in the coldest part of your freezer.

• Here’s how long turkey lasts in the freezer:

• • Raw turkey pieces: Up to 9 months
  • Whole raw turkey: Up to 1 year
  • Cooked turkey pieces: 4–6 months

How Long to Thaw a Turkey

• Per USDA guidelines, never thaw turkey on the counter, in hot water, or leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

• The best method for thawing turkey is to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw gradually. This can take up to a full day, depending on the size. Once thawed in the fridge, raw turkey can be stored for 1–2 more days before cooking or refreezing.

  

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  FLEX'N SEAL™ Food Storage BagsGlad Flex N Seal Food Storage Bag Zipper Lock (quart)

• If you need to thaw turkey quickly:

• • Cold water method: Place the turkey (in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEX'N SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
  • Microwave method: Turkey can be thawed in the microwave, but it must be cooked immediately after to prevent bacteria growth.

How Long is Turkey Good After Sell By Date?

• The sell by date is not a safety date, and a product should still be safe and wholesome if handled properly until the time spoilage is evident.1 If you have questions about the safety of raw turkey, call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline toll-free at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).

How to Tell If Turkey Has Gone Bad?

• A sour, pungent, or unpleasant smell is a strong indicator of spoilage, as is a dull gray or green appearance.²

How to Reheat Turkey

• According to the USDA, foods that have been cooked and cooled should be reheated to at least 165°F before eating.²

How to Tell if Turkey Is Spoiled & How to Dispose

• If your turkey has an off odor, or is sticky or tacky to the touch, it may be spoiled.2 To avoid unpleasant, pest-attracting odors in your home, consider composting spoiled turkey in Glad™ Compostable Bags, or using Glad™ Trash Bags to dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin. If you choose to compost, be sure to follow local guidelines.

• For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.

• <sup>1. Source: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating
  2. Source: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/color-meat-and-poultry</sup>