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 lunch meat is a refrigerator staple for many. It’s an easy protein source to throw between bread slices or add to salads. But exactly how long can you leave those pre-packaged slices and deli-cut meats out before they’re unsafe to eat?
The answer lies in understanding bacteria growth. We’ll cover how long turkey lunch meat can sit out, how to tell if it has gone bad, proper storage methods, and common mistakes people make.
The Danger Zone for Bacteria Growth
Perishable foods like turkey lunch meat need to be kept out of the “danger zone” temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. In this range, bacteria multiply quickly and can reach unsafe levels after just two hours.
This is why turkey lunch meat, as well as other deli meats and fresh meats, should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the surrounding temperature is 90°F or hotter, meat should only sit out for one hour before bacteria becomes a concern.
Safe handling comes down to limiting the time deli meats spend in the optimal bacteria growing temperatures.
Maximum Times for Turkey Lunch Meat Sitting Out
- Unopened – 2 hours
- Opened – 1 hour
Once you break that vacuum seal on the package the clock starts ticking even faster on turkey lunch meat’s freshness. Always reseal opened packages and get them back into the fridge.
What Happens If You Leave It Out Too Long?
Bacteria levels can multiply to dangerous numbers when turkey lunch meat sits out too long. Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes are of top concern with deli and lunch meats.
Signs turkey lunch meat has spoiled
- Slimy texture
- Discoloration
- Sour or off smell
- Mold growth
Consuming turkey lunch meat that has sat out for longer than two hours (one hour above 90°F) risks foodborne illness. If you think the turkey lunch meat may be spoiled, when in doubt, throw it out!
Proper Refrigeration Is Key
Following proper storage guidelines helps turkey lunch meat stay fresh and safe:
- Refrigerate promptly after purchasing – within 2 hours.
- Keep sealed airtight until ready to use.
- Refrigerate opened packages within 1 hour.
- Store opened meats in clean airtight containers, not the original packaging.
- Label containers with date opened.
- Consume within 3-5 days of opening.
- Freeze for longer storage.
The fridge temperature should always be at or below 40°F.
Common Turkey Handling Mistakes
It’s easy to make mistakes when handling deli and lunch meats. Here are some common turkey lunch meat storage errors:
- Leaving open packages out too long before refrigerating
- Not labeling storage containers with opened date
- Storing open packages in the original deli packaging
- Storing in the fridge door instead of main compartment
- Keeping past the 3-5 day opened shelf life
- Not thawing frozen meats properly in the fridge
Being mindful of the 2-hour rule, proper refrigeration, use-by dates, and signs of spoilage are all vital for turkey lunch meat safety.
FAQs
Can I leave turkey lunch meat out at a picnic or party?
No, turkey lunch meat should always be kept cool in insulated containers with ice packs. Never leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F).
Does smoking or curing allow it to sit out longer?
No, pre-packaged smoked or cured turkey lunch meats have the same 2-hour room temperature limit after opening.
Can I eat turkey lunch meat that looks brown?
It depends. Some brown spots are normal oxidization, but if the meat smells bad or has an odd texture, it should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can I reheat spoiled turkey lunch meat to make it safe?
No, reheating does not necessarily make spoiled lunch meat safe. Toxins from bacteria can remain even after heating. Always discard turkey lunch meat left out too long.
What if turkey lunch meat was left out overnight?
Turkey lunch meat left out overnight should not be consumed and should be thrown away. The bacteria levels after 8+ hours in the danger zone temperatures would be extremely unsafe.
Is turkey lunch meat safe if only left out for an hour?
Generally yes, as long as it was kept at safe refrigerator temperatures prior. But it’s still a best practice to discard it if you’re unsure how long it sat out.
Can I take precautions when packing turkey lunch meat for work?
Yes, use an insulated lunch bag with ice packs. Limit the time the turkey sits out before eating it. Discard any leftovers.
What are some alternatives to packing refrigerated turkey lunch meat?
Some options are foil-pouched tuna, jerky sticks, roasted chickpeas, hard boiled eggs, canned salmon, and protein/granola bars.
Turkey lunch meat stays fresh and safe when handled properly. Following the 2-hour room temperature rule, refrigerating promptly, and monitoring for spoilage signs are key. Knowing the limited time turkey meat can sit out prevents foodborne illness risks. With proper handling, you can continue enjoying nutritious and convenient turkey lunch meats for sandwiches, wraps, and salads without worry.
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.
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.