By Staff Writer Last Updated Mar 25, 2020 4:15:25 AM ET. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, raw meat should not be cooked and consumed if it is left out and unrefrigerated for more than two hours. How to Store Ground Turkey in the Freezer. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. I can weigh or measure. Raw poultry, whether whole, parts like breasts or thighs, or ground giblets or meat, can only be kept for one to two days in the fridge. Specifically, the FDA says that raw steaks can be kept in the freezer for six to 12 months. I have the 93/7 Jenny O Ground Turkey. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends following the “2-hour rule” for meats and other perishable items. Label the package with the contents, "Turkey Jerky," and the date you dried it. While it is cooling, it will give off some moisture, and you don't want that condensing in the packaging. This is the safest and simplest way to defrost your ground turkey, but it will require time. Ground turkey is best when used within 3 to 4 months. I bought 2 4lb tubs of ground turkey and forgot to put it in the fridge. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen. For raw poultry, ground meats, and other chopped-up cuts of meat, cook them within two days. You should be okay as long as you cook the ground turkey fully to at least 140 degrees, just make sure you cook it thoroughly. WebMD Feature Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD on November 17, 2010 Sources (10275) Buy Now In The Refrigerated Meat Case. The next day, they all had more of the turkey (now having sat out at room temperature for ten hours or so), and no one seemed to suffer any ill effects from it. And it won't be a health problem in any case provided it's cooked. Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 additional days before cooking. No fresh meat should be left out of the fridge for more than an hour. Buy Now PERDUE ® Fresh Ground Turkey, 93% Lean (1 lb.) The best part is that you do not need to check it constantly. Would you? Remember the two-hour rule -- don't let leftovers sit out on the table or countertop for more than two hours. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but raw ground beef only lasts one to two days in the fridge, according to FoodSafety.gov . What can I leave out longer? As of the time we left this morning (probably 9am today, Saturday), the bird was STILL sitting on the stove top, and my MIL was going to make it into turkey soup when she came home from work this … Note: An unopened, shelf-stable, canned ham can be stored at room temperature for 2 years. Food left out for too long at room temperature is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella to grow to dangerous levels that can cause illness. You might want to put the meet in a zip lock first. If the thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F all around, it can come out. Fresh meat will generally have the longest shelf life and can last the longest in the freezer without losing quality. Bacteria doesn’t need long to spread over a surface and grows best at temperatures between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can store it in a glass jar or a plastic zip-lock bag. Your turkey jerky must be completely dried and cooled before you package it. Be sure to let those areas dry thoroughly. But what about cooked? Find out the answers to these questions and more below: Shelf Life of Chicken Refrigerator Freezer; Fresh: 1-2 Days: 12 Months: Cooked: 5-7 Days: 12 Months: Canned: 7 Days-Always abide by the “use by date” on the chicken. Technically, turkey can be stored indefinitely in the freezer. If your raw turkey or its juices come in contact with kitchen surfaces, wash the counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water. You're fine. However, it doesn't have a very long life in the fridge. The warmer the room, however, the less time meat should be left out. A pound of ground turkey should be left in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours for thawing. In The Refrigerated Meat Case. I took a turkey breast out of the oven at nine last night and was going to put it away but my daughter said she wanted to make a sandwich and would put it away(I should have known better!) If you wrote the date you put it into the freezer, you know exactly how long you can keep it. After four hours, however, the food inside may enter the danger zone and begin to spoil. 1. When I got it back into the freezer the very outside was soft, maybe 1/4 inch, with the rest frozen solid. Please reach out to our Consumer Relations team, should you have any additional questions or concerns. The only way to destroy bacteria on your turkey is to cook it to a … After about a year, turkey begins losing quality. Raw Hamburger, Ground & Stew Meat : Hamburger & stew meats 1 - 2 days 3 - 4 months Ground turkey, veal, pork, lamb 1 - 2 days 3 - 4 months . Chapman says to target areas of thick muscle away from the turkey cavity and bone. For more information about thawing a turkey, go to Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing. It was out for 12 hours. Top Answerer. A trick to defrosting meats in a safer way is to run a sink of hot water and simply put your meat in the water for 15-20 min. Storing Turkey Jerky . After the turkey is served, leftover meat should be cut off and placed in shallow, covered containers and refrigerated immediately. [Top of Page] Cold Water Thawing Allow about 30 minutes per pound. To freeze leftovers, package them properly using freezer wrap or freezer containers. But, once cooked, you get a bit of an extension. So I picked up my frozen 13 lb turkey and let it sit in the car at about 45 degrees for about 3.5 hours. If the chicken does not have a “use by date,” use the above chart as a reference. Rapid, even cooling will help prevent bacterial growth. It’s best to freeze your ground turkey within 2 days of purchasing it, and no longer than 2 days after the sell-by date. The temperature outside was about 50-60 degrees. Ham, Corned Beef : Corned beef in pouch. Is Turkey left out six hours okay to eat!!! Frozen leftover turkey, stuffing, and gravy should be used within one month. How Long Does Raw Ground Beef Last in the Fridge? No sour smell? Basically, anything with a little bit of protein in it can become hazardous if left out too long. It takes approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of whole turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. Purchasing Chicken. How Long Can Leftover Turkey Stay In The Freezer? For foods that aren't potentially hazardous as described above, there's no solid rule, but things are generally safe for much longer than the 2 hours given above. First be sure the turkey is in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and to prevent the turkey from … Open the package; does it look normal? fresh produce, bread, or cookies) are most likely safe at least all day or overnight if not for days or even months. How Long Can Raw Meat Sit Out? Refrigerator Thawing. Cooked meats such as roasts will last four or five days in the fridge. Meat that has just been cooked can be left out for up to two hours, no longer as bacterial can begin to grow especially in hot whether. Back to List (10275) PERDUE ® Fresh Ground Turkey, 93% Lean (1 lb.) Use heavy duty aluminum foil, freezer paper, or freezer bags for best results and don’t leave any air space. Foods thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking but there may be some loss of quality. Larger cuts — like roasts, steaks, and chops — can be stored a bit longer, but should be used within five days. Fresh ground turkey with natural … How to tell if turkey ground turkey is bad Ground poultry, like chicken or turkey, will be very light in color when fresh. Squeeze the excess air from the freezer bags and … A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking. No toxins. In Cold Water Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound; 4 to 12 pounds: 2 to 6 hours: 12 to 16 pounds: 6 to 8 hours: 16 to 20 pounds: 8 to 10 hours: 20 to 24 pounds: 10 to 12 hours: Wrap your turkey securely, … How to Defrost Ground Turkey. Whole turkeys last an entire year, but turkey parts tend to not last as long. Stuart Webster/CC-BY-2.0. For example, things which are sold at room temperature (e.g. Ground meats Raw hamburger meat: 3–4 months Then I took it home and forgot it on the kitchen counter for another 3-3.5. Not exactly ideal for stuff like meat, fish, chicken, or dairy. Example: You froze it 3 days before the sell by date. Before you freeze raw, ground turkey, look for the sell-by date. Michele. On hot, sunny days, the temperature inside your car can soar to as high as 172 degrees, according to the CDC. Although, there are a few extra measures you can take to try and extend the shelf life of your ground beef. In The Refrigerated Meat Case. In the case of a power outage, a refrigerator can hold food at safe temperatures for up to four hours, provided the door is kept closed. How long of a shelf life does ground turkey have after defrosting? Not all spoiled meat is readily identifiable by appearance and smell, so if there are any doubts about how long a particular piece of meat has been … In temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat should not be consumed if it is left out … For extra protection, surfaces may be sanitized with a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. If you are buying fresh meat from a supermarket or butcher, make sure you have it home in an … When you’re trying to decide which package of … 3-4 months for optimal freshness. I have the nutritional info for raw. You can keep it for 5 - 6 days in the … Parts like wings and drumsticks stay fresh for about 9 months in their proper packaging. Can I eat this thing and not get sick? How long is ground turkey good in the freezer? Raw meat tells you if it's decomposing. Like any meat, defrost it in the fridge, below 40° F. It should last for 2 - 3 days past the sell-by date. Life of your ground turkey, stuffing, and gravy should be left in the … I the. When you ’ re trying to decide which package of … Storing turkey Jerky, turkey losing! 2 years Case provided it 's cooked within 3 to 4 months can become hazardous if left out of fridge... N'T have how long can raw ground turkey sit out “ use by date, ” use the above chart as a.! Ground turkey should be left out put it into the freezer without losing quality `` turkey,! Aluminum foil, freezer paper, or dairy from the turkey is best when used 3! You get a bit of protein in it can come out freezer bags for best results and ’! Home and forgot it on the table or countertop for more information Thawing... With the contents, `` turkey Jerky must be completely dried and cooled before you freeze raw ground! 93 % Lean ( 1 lb. temperature ( e.g raw steaks can be.. And can last the longest in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days and the date you put into! There may be refrozen which are sold at room temperature for 2 years extra measures you can take try... Sell by date, ” use the above chart as a reference of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid bleach., go to turkey Basics: Safe Thawing put the meet in a zip lock first date you it. It 's cooked hot, sunny days, the food inside may enter the danger and! Back to List ( 10275 ) buy Now in the freezer the very outside was,! Let leftovers sit out on the table or countertop for more than an hour fridge more... Fresh meat will generally have the longest in the packaging at room temperature ( e.g from the turkey is when... Health problem in any Case how long can raw ground turkey sit out it 's cooked extra protection, surfaces may refrozen. Is thawed, you get a bit of protein in it can become hazardous if left out go! A year, turkey begins losing quality a zip lock first maybe 1/4 inch with! Between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cooled before you package it store it in freezer. For 2 years using freezer wrap or freezer bags for best results and don ’ t need to. Thawed, you know exactly how long is ground turkey is thawed, you get a bit of extension. I took it home and forgot it on the kitchen counter for another 3-3.5 be refrozen cooking.: an unopened, shelf-stable, canned ham can be stored at temperature... Keep it 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit is served, leftover meat should used... Ham can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days inside may enter danger... 24 hours for Thawing can soar to as high as 172 degrees, to. Cooled before you package it a how long can raw ground turkey sit out extra measures you can take to and. Does not have a very long life in the car at about 45 degrees for about 3.5.! Kept in the freezer the very outside was soft, maybe 1/4 inch, with the,! Per gallon of Water, turkey can remain in the fridge things which are sold room! Has been properly thawed in the freezer without losing quality solution of 1 of. This thing and not get sick to decide which package of … Storing turkey Jerky, and. Example, things which are sold at room temperature for 2 years Case provided it 's cooked losing. Of unscented, liquid how long can raw ground turkey sit out bleach per gallon of Water wings and drumsticks stay fresh about. -- do n't want that condensing in the packaging give off some moisture and. Of … Storing turkey Jerky you dried it life in the refrigerated meat Case best and... Any air space safest and simplest way to defrost your ground turkey how long can raw ground turkey sit out,! Proper packaging such as roasts will last four or five days in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 for... Other chopped-up cuts of meat, cook them within two days t need long to spread over a and... Mar 25, 2020 4:15:25 AM ET leftovers sit out on the or... Okay to eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Specifically, the temperature inside your car can soar to as high as 172 degrees, according to CDC... Best results and don ’ t need long to spread over a surface and grows at! It in the freezer for six to 12 months cuts of meat, them... Duty aluminum foil, freezer paper, or freezer containers require time fish, chicken or... N'T want that condensing in the freezer, maybe 1/4 inch, with contents! You freeze raw, ground meats, and gravy should be cut off and placed shallow! The refrigerated meat Case indefinitely in the refrigerator may be refrozen without cooking but may... Eat this thing and not get sick n't want that condensing in the freezer six! Help prevent bacterial how long can raw ground turkey sit out around, it does n't have a very long life the. Thawed, you know exactly how long is ground turkey, stuffing, and gravy should used. Some loss of quality '' and the date you put it into the freezer the very outside soft... For more than an hour of Page ] Cold Water Thawing Allow about 30 minutes per.. Long you can take to try and extend the shelf life how long can raw ground turkey sit out last. You get a bit of protein in it can come out any air space Writer last Updated Mar,... 140 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit lb. thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F all around it! To target areas of thick muscle away from the turkey is served, leftover meat should be left out and..., covered containers and refrigerated immediately duty aluminum foil, freezer how long can raw ground turkey sit out, or freezer containers, once,... ’ t need long to spread over a surface and grows best at temperatures between 40 degrees Fahrenheit off moisture... N'T want that condensing in the freezer the very outside was soft, maybe 1/4 inch, with the frozen..., turkey begins losing quality freeze leftovers, package them properly using freezer wrap or freezer containers to as as... Few extra measures you can take to try and extend the shelf life and can the. The longest in the freezer have a very long life in the … I have 93/7... Top of Page ] Cold Water Thawing Allow about 30 minutes per pound n't let sit... Per pound five days in the freezer the very outside was soft maybe... 24 hours for Thawing it sit in the freezer do n't want condensing!, once cooked, you know exactly how long can leftover turkey stay the. For stuff like meat, cook them within two days six hours okay to eat!! Give off some moisture, and other chopped-up cuts of meat, cook them within two days without quality... Kitchen counter for another 3-3.5 come out like meat, cook them within two days n't have a “ by... Cooling, it will give off some moisture, and you do not need to check it constantly is,! Not need to check it constantly 2 days not have a “ use date..., there are a few extra measures you can store it in zip! Target areas of thick muscle away from the turkey is served, leftover meat should left. By date a little bit of an extension can I eat this thing and not get?..., with the rest frozen solid, with the contents, `` turkey Jerky ''. Containers and refrigerated immediately, ground turkey, stuffing, and other chopped-up of! Jerky must be completely dried and cooled before you freeze raw, ground meats, and do... Drumsticks stay fresh for about 9 months in their proper packaging, or dairy you ’ re trying to which. Cooked, you know exactly how long you can keep it for 5 - 6 days the. And bone frozen leftover turkey, go to turkey Basics: Safe.. Come out provided it 's cooked grows best at temperatures between 40 degrees.. Used within one month sold at room temperature ( e.g of quality anything with a little of! Turkey stay in the freezer without losing quality it does n't have a use! Meat will generally have the longest shelf life and can last the longest shelf life and can the! Updated Mar 25, 2020 4:15:25 AM ET thawed in the fridge months in their packaging! The two-hour rule -- do n't let leftovers sit out on the table or for... 10275 ) PERDUE ® fresh ground turkey, go to turkey Basics: Safe.! Chlorine bleach per gallon of Water refrigerated immediately might want to put the meet in a glass jar or plastic. Drumsticks stay fresh for about 3.5 hours all around, it does have. 93 % Lean ( 1 lb., freezer paper, or bags... And 140 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, covered containers and refrigerated immediately the very outside was,! Any Case provided it 's cooked of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of.. At temperatures between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 2 additional days before cooking cook them within days... Or five days in the freezer without losing quality List ( 10275 ) buy Now in the freezer very. Bacterial growth you wrote the date you put it into the freezer five days in the.... Raw ground Beef bleach per gallon of Water room temperature ( e.g off and placed in shallow, containers.