Is Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey Safe? Everything You Need To Know

Shady Brook Farms is one of the most popular turkey brands in the United States. Their ground turkey is a staple in many kitchens. But is it safe? In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at Shady Brook Farms ground turkey and answer the question is it safe to eat?

An Overview of Shady Brook Farms

Shady Brook Farms is a brand of Cargill one of the largest meat producers in America. Their turkeys are raised by family farmers throughout the Midwest and Southeast regions. Shady Brook advertises their turkeys as “all-natural” and raised without growth hormones or steroids.

The brand has a range of turkey products including whole turkeys, turkey breasts, ground turkey, turkey sausages, and more. Their ground turkey comes in a few varieties like 93% lean and 85% lean. It’s sold in most major grocery stores.

Is Shady Brook Turkey Safe To Eat?

The short answer is yes, Shady Brook Farms ground turkey is considered safe to eat. Their products must meet the safety regulations set by the USDA.

However, there have been some concerns raised about the practices used in commercial turkey farming. Here are the main safety considerations with Shady Brook ground turkey:

1. Salmonella risk

Raw turkey can contain salmonella bacteria, which causes food poisoning Proper cooking destroys salmonella, but cross-contamination is still a risk

Shady Brook has had a few turkey recalls due to salmonella over the years. But it’s quite rare, and all turkey carries some level of salmonella risk. As long as you handle raw turkey carefully, cook it thoroughly to 165°F, and avoid cross-contamination, the salmonella risk is minimal.

2. Antibiotic use in turkeys

Shady Brook states their turkeys are raised without growth hormones or steroids. However, antibiotics are commonly used in commercial turkey farming for disease prevention and growth promotion.

Overuse of antibiotics leads to drug-resistant bacteria, which is a major public health issue. Shady Brook turkey is not labeled “antibiotic-free,” so antibiotics are likely used in their production.

Organic and turkey labeled “no antibiotics” are the best options if you want to avoid routine antibiotic use.

3. Added hormones and steroids

Hormones and steroids speed up growth in livestock animals. According to Shady Brook and USDA regulations, added hormones and steroids are never allowed in turkeys or other poultry in the United States.

So when Shady Brook says their turkeys have “no added hormones or steroids,” they’re simply following the law. All turkeys in the U.S., whether organic, Shady Brook, or other brands, are hormone and steroid-free.

4. Arsenic in turkey feed

Small amounts of arsenic are found in some animal feeds to promote weight gain and improve feeding efficiency. The FDA monitors arsenic levels, and amounts found in turkey meat are very low. Still, consumer groups recommend limiting exposure to unnecessary arsenic from foods.

Shady Brook does not make any claims about arsenic in their turkey feed. Buying organic is the best option if you want to minimize arsenic exposure from turkey.

How Shady Brook Compares To Other Turkey Brands

Shady Brook is one of the top wholesale turkey producers along with Butterball, Cargill, Jennie-O, and Farbest Foods. Their main competitor is Butterball. Here’s how Shady Brook compares:

• Hormones and steroids: All turkey brands are hormone and steroid-free.

• Antibiotics: Both Shady Brook and Butterball likely use antibiotics routinely. For antibiotic-free, choose organic or turkeys labeled “no antibiotics.”

• Feed: Details about turkey feed contents are not disclosed by either brand. Neither claim to be GMO-free.

• Processing: Shady Brook and Butterball use similar large-scale industrial processing under USDA inspection.

• Taste: Shady Brook is preferred by some for a leaner, less watery texture and flavor compared to Butterball. However, taste preference is subjective.

• Cost: Shady Brook costs a bit more than Butterball on average. But prices fluctuate based on promotions, sales, and other factors.

• Availability: Both brands are sold nationally in stores year-round. Butterball may have an edge around Thanksgiving when market share increases.

Safety Tips For Cooking Shady Brook Ground Turkey

To get the most from your Shady Brook ground turkey and ensure safety, here are some tips:

• Cook to 165°F internal temperature, measured with a meat thermometer in thickest part. This kills any bacteria like salmonella.

• Avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw turkey and cooked foods. Wash all surfaces that touch raw turkey.

• Check the color. Ground turkey is safe to eat even if some parts are still pink after thorough cooking to 165°F.

• Check the expiration date and freeze ground turkey within 1-2 days of purchasing if not using right away.

• Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge, not on the counter. Cook within 1-2 days of thawing.

• Wash hands and cooking tools thoroughly before and after handling raw turkey.

Following basic food safety practices is important when cooking any ground turkey, from Shady Brook Farms or other brands. Take these precautions, cook your turkey thoroughly, and you can feel good about serving healthy and delicious turkey burgers or other recipes to your family.

The Bottom Line

Is Shady Brook Farms ground turkey safe to eat? Overall, yes it is considered safe when handled properly. Shady Brook Farm turkeys must meet the same USDA regulations as other major brands. There are no serious safety concerns specific to this brand.

However, it’s worth being aware of the common practices used in commercial turkey production, like heavy antibiotic use. If you want to avoid hormones, GMOs, and frequent antibiotic use, spending a little more on an organic, antibiotic-free turkey is a smart call. But Shady Brook ground turkey remains a budget-friendly option stocked in most grocery stores year-round.