Most everyone has deli meats around the house, as they are convenient for making lunch or a quick snack. However, it is important to note that deli meat can only be left out at room temperature for two hours.
Turkey sandwiches and wraps are classic lunch and dinner options that never go out of style. There’s just something so satisfying about tender, thinly sliced turkey layered with cheese, lettuce tomato and your other favorite fixings. But when it comes to storing and serving sliced turkey there are important food safety guidelines to follow. If not handled properly, sliced turkey can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
So how long can sliced turkey sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat? What’s the best way to store deli turkey once you get it home? And how can you serve sliced turkey at a party or potluck without worry? This comprehensive guide has all the answers on the safe handling, storage and serving of sliced turkey.
How Long Can Sliced Turkey Sit Out at Room Temperature?
Cold temperature is sliced turkey’s best friend As soon as turkey is cooked and sliced, bacteria starts multiplying rapidly at room temperature According to the United States Department of Agriculture, sliced turkey should not sit out for more than two hours at room temperature (above 40°F). After this two hour window, the amount of bacteria present can reach unsafe levels.
If the room temperature is higher, such as during hot summer months, the USDA recommends only leaving sliced turkey out for one hour maximum. Temperatures above 90°F are especially concerning, as bacteria grows even faster in warm conditions.
The safest bet is to refrigerate or return sliced turkey to a cold storage container as soon as possible after serving or preparing sandwiches and wraps. Don’t take chances by leaving deli meats out for extended periods.
Proper Storage for Sliced Turkey
To maintain safety and maximize shelf life, sliced turkey needs to be stored at 40°F or below. Here are some tips for keeping sliced turkey chilled:
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Refrigerate promptly: Get sliced turkey into the fridge within 2 hours of purchasing or opening the package.
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Use deli containers: Store opened packages of sliced turkey in reusable deli containers or zip-top bags to prevent drying out.
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Keep cold during transport: When carrying sliced turkey home from the deli or store, use an insulated lunch bag or cooler bag to maintain cold temperatures.
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Don’t overstuff the fridge: Allow space for air circulation so the temperature stays consistent throughout the fridge.
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Monitor the temperature: Use a fridge thermometer and adjust accordingly if the temperature rises above 40°F.
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Use by “sell by” date: For pre-packaged turkey, observe the expiry date and don’t freeze meat past its prime.
With proper refrigeration, an unopened package of sliced turkey will last 7-10 days past its printed “sell by” date. Once opened, sliced turkey keeps 3-5 days in the fridge.
Safe Handling of Leftover Turkey
Leftover sliced turkey also requires careful handling to prevent bacterial growth. Here are some tips:
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Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of serving.
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Only reheat leftovers once; toss any uneaten portions after second heating.
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When reheating, heat thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F.
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Add leftovers to soups, casseroles and sandwiches to give them new life.
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Refrigerate turkey stock and gravy within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
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Refrigerate leftover stuffing and dressing immediately and use within 3-4 days.
Following food safety best practices prevents leftovers from going bad prematurely. With proper care, you can enjoy leftover turkey for several days after the main meal.
Can You Freeze Sliced Turkey?
Freezing is a safe, long-term storage method for sliced turkey. To freeze:
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Double wrap turkey in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Exclude as much air as possible.
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Portion turkey in usable amounts so you can thaw only what you need.
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Label packages with contents and freeze-by date (3-4 months from freezing date).
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Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Don’t allow turkey to linger at room temperature before freezing.
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Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator overnight before using. Don’t thaw at room temperature or in hot water.
With proper freezing techniques, sliced turkey can keep for 3-4 months in the freezer without compromising quality or safety.
How to Tell If Sliced Turkey Has Gone Bad
Despite best efforts to store deli meats safely, sliced turkey can sometimes spoil before the expiration date. Signs that sliced turkey has gone bad include:
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Slimy or sticky texture and appearance
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Discoloration or grayish tint
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Unpleasant sour odor
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Mold growth
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Unusual dryness or hard texture
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Significantly past expiration date or questionable storage
When in doubt, remember the old adage “when in doubt, throw it out” applies to deli meats. Don’t risk eating spoiled turkey.
Serving Sliced Turkey Safely at Events
From catered parties to backyard barbecues, turkey is a popular protein to serve at events. Follow these tips when setting out sliced turkey for large gatherings:
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Keep turkey chilled on ice until serving time. Don’t let it sit at room temp.
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Designate one person to handle the turkey to prevent cross-contamination.
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Avoid “double dipping” with shared utensils and condiment containers.
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Display smaller portions of turkey and replenish frequently.
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Throw away any remaining turkey after 2 hours max at room temperature.
By taking precautions when serving sliced turkey, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Be strict with the 2-hour window and temperature control.
Enjoy Turkey Safely with Simple Precautions
Sliced turkey makes an easy, nutritious sandwich filling or wrap stuffer. By following proper storage, handling and serving guidelines, you can continue to enjoy deli meats safely. Keep turkey chilled at 40°F or below, refrigerate or freeze promptly after use, and don’t take chances with the 2-hour room temperature rule.
With these food safety tips in mind, you can feel confident storing, preparing and serving sliced turkey while minimizing the risk of foodborne bacteria. Just remember to keep it cold, consume within recommended time limits, and handle turkey properly from store to sandwich. Follow this advice and your sliced turkey will be safe, tasty and ready to enjoy when sandwich cravings strike!
Why Is There a Two Hour Rule?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the “2-Hour Rule” for any perishables left out at room temperature. If the food is left out in temperatures of 90°F or higher, then only one hour. After this time, the food becomes unsafe to eat, and you risk food poisoning. Trace amounts of bacteria can be found on foods, such as staphylococcus aureus, salmonella enteritidis, E. coli, Campylobacter, clostridium perfringens, or Bacillus cereus. Bacteria will grow most rapidly between 40°F to 140°F, and deli meats are one of the foods most associated with staphylococcal food poisoning. Keeping deli meats refrigerated will not stop the growth of bacteria but will slow it down. The most common signs of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If I Heat My Deli Meat After Leaving It Out, Will It Make It Safe?
Heating deli meat may not make it safe if it has been left sitting out at room temperature for longer than two hours. When food is left out too long, some bacteria, such as staphylococcus aureus (staph), can form heat-resistant toxins that cooking cannot destroy.
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