Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile meat that can be used in everything from burgers to meatballs. However, raw ground turkey only stays fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. After that it will start to change color as it spoils. So is it still okay to eat if your ground turkey has turned brown?
What Causes Ground Turkey to Turn Brown?
Fresh raw ground turkey is light pink or beige in color. As it starts to spoil, the meat will become progressively darker, changing to a brown, grey, or greenish hue. This color change is caused by oxidation and bacteria growth.
Ground turkey has more surface area exposed to air compared to whole cuts of meat. This makes it oxidize faster, causing the meat pigment myoglobin to turn from pink to brown.
Bacteria also multiply quickly on ground meat at refrigerator temperatures These microbes cause off odors and a slimy texture as the turkey decays Their metabolic processes further break down meat compounds, dulling the color.
So if your ground turkey has turned an unappetizing shade of brown, it’s a sign that spoilage is underway. At this point, it’s generally not recommended to cook and eat it.
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last Refrigerated?
The USDA recommends using fresh raw ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing it. After this time, spoilage bacteria may have multiplied to unsafe levels.
Properly stored cooked ground turkey will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Always check the smell and color before eating leftovers. Discard any turkey with an off-putting odor or sliminess.
Frozen ground turkey maintains quality for 3-4 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
What Do Other Signs of Spoilage Look Like?
A color change to gray, brown or green are clear signs ground turkey has gone bad. However, always check for these other signs of spoilage too:
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Slimy or sticky texture – Fresh ground turkey feels moist but not sticky. Slime indicates bacteria growth.
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Off odors – Raw turkey has a mild odor while fresh. Spoiled meat gives off a sour, ammonia-like smell.
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Mold growth – Look for fuzzy spots or dry webbing on raw turkey. This inedible mold is a warning sign.
Trust your senses – if turkey smells, looks or feels bad, throw it out! Don’t taste meat that shows signs of spoilage.
Is Brown Ground Turkey Ever Still Safe To Eat?
There are a few instances where a brownish tinge on ground turkey doesn’t necessarily mean it has gone bad:
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Frozen storage – Meat frozen for months may darken due to oxidation but still be safe. Check the smell and texture after thawing.
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Variations in raw meat – The age, breed and diet of turkeys leads to natural color variation. Meat may be darker but not spoiled.
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Cooked turkey – Browning reactions during cooking can lead to a darkened cooked color that’s harmless.
So while raw pink or beige turkey is the norm, a brownish tint isn’t an automatic sign of spoilage. Always verify with a sniff test and texture check before discarding meat. If the turkey gives off foul odors, has visible slime, or feels overly sticky, it’s best to play it safe and throw it away.
Can You Cook Spoiled Ground Turkey?
It’s not recommended to cook ground turkey once it’s spoiled. Many dangerous bacteria produce toxins that cannot be killed through cooking. Consuming spoiled turkey risks food poisoning, even if fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli are hazardous bacteria that can grow on turkey kept too long in the refrigerator. Their toxins persist after heating and quickly cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
So never rely on cooking to make spoiled ground turkey safe. The USDA’s advice is, “when in doubt, throw it out.”
How To Store Ground Turkey Properly
To prevent ground turkey from turning brown and spoiling prematurely, store it correctly:
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Keep raw turkey refrigerated at 40°F or below. Freeze for longer storage.
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Place ground turkey in sealed containers or zipper bags. Avoid exposing it to air.
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Use within 1-2 days of purchasing for optimal freshness and food safety.
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Cooked ground turkey keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Eat leftovers soon for best quality.
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Label cooked turkey with prep dates and use within 3-4 days.
Following safe refrigerator and freezer storage guidelines will ensure your ground turkey retains its fresh quality and color for as long as possible.
What To Do If Your Turkey Smells Bad After Cooking
Sometimes ground turkey that smelled fine when raw develops an off-putting odor after cooking. This happens when spoilage bacteria have started producing toxins:
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Toxins survive even after turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
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Turkey may have been improperly stored, allowing bacteria to multiply.
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Presence of toxins indicates the meat has already begun decomposing.
If this happens, play it safe by discarding the cooked turkey. Don’t taste or eat it, even if there’s no visible sliminess or color change. An “off” post-cooking smell means the ground turkey has already started going bad.
The Takeaway
It’s generally not recommended to eat ground turkey that has turned brown, as it’s a sign of spoilage. However, always check the smell and texture too before throwing it out. Discard any turkey with foul odors or stickiness, as bacteria may have reached unsafe levels. While freezing can sometimes darken turkey while keeping it safe, trust your senses to be sure. Storing ground turkey properly and using it within 1-2 days is important to keep it fresh and prevent foodborne illness.
Things You Should Know
- Check if your turkey has a bad sour-smelling odor to know if it’s spoiled.
- Toss out your ground turkey if it has a slimy texture.
- Get rid of ground turkey if it darkens or dulls to a dark gray color, a sure sign it’s gone bad.
StepsSection 1 of 4:
- Cook ground turkey until it has an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to kill bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses.[11] If the juices are still pink, keep cooking your turkey until they run clear. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- Wash your hands after handling raw or spoiled ground turkey so you don’t spread bacteria to other food or kitchen surfaces.[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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FAQ
Why is my ground turkey turning brown?
How to tell if ground turkey is gone bad?
Why is my raw turkey brown?
How long can raw ground turkey stay in the fridge?
Does ground turkey go bad?
Despite your efforts in storing the ground turkey properly, the meat may still go bad and deteriorate in quality. Here are some signs that indicate your ground turkey has gone bad. Fresh raw ground turkey doesn’t give off any smell. The meat is likely spoiled if you unwrap the package and smell an unpleasant odor, like a sour scent.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
How do you know if ground turkey has gone bad?
Here are some signs that indicate your ground turkey has gone bad. Fresh raw ground turkey doesn’t give off any smell. The meat is likely spoiled if you unwrap the package and smell an unpleasant odor, like a sour scent. Raw turkey meat should be light pink or beige, depending on the type of meat and its fat content.
How do you know if a ground turkey is safe to eat?
Ground turkey contains both white and dark meat, so its color can range from light pink to a brownish hue. If it turns gray or green, that’s a sign it’s no longer fresh or safe to eat. Justin Micheal is KitchenSanity’s founder, food writer and editor in chief.