Is Uncured Turkey Bacon Raw? Examining Safety, Preparation and What “Uncured” Really Means

Turkey bacon has risen in popularity as a leaner alternative to pork bacon Some brands market their turkey bacon as “uncured” or “natural” But this labelling creates confusion around whether uncured turkey bacon is raw or pre-cooked, Is it safe to eat uncured turkey bacon straight from the pack? Or does it require cooking first?

Let’s clear up the uncertainty and determine if uncured turkey bacon is raw and how it should be handled to avoid foodborne illness

Understanding Uncured Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon labelled as “uncured” means no nitrates or nitrites were used in processing, Nitrates and nitrites are curing agents that preserve color and extend shelf life They’re found in most conventional cured bacon

Cured meats require refrigeration but not necessarily cooking. So some consumers may assume uncured turkey bacon is also ready to eat without cooking since it lacks nitrates and nitrites.

But there’s an important difference between fresh uncured turkey meat and processed uncured turkey bacon.

Is Uncured Turkey Bacon Raw?

Yes, uncured turkey bacon is raw.

It is not pre-cooked or cured to make it shelf stable. So out of the package, uncured turkey bacon contains raw poultry and poses the same risks as other raw meats.

Uncured turkey bacon must be fully cooked to 165°F internally before eating to eliminate bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.

Dangers of Undercooked Turkey Bacon

Consuming raw or undercooked turkey bacon exposes you to bacteria like:

• Salmonella – Causes diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps

• Campylobacter – Leads to cramping, diarrhea and vomiting

• E. coli – Results in severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting

• Listeria – Triggers fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea

Some people mistakenly believe uncured or organic meat is safer to eat raw. But all raw poultry inherently contains dangerous pathogens. Only proper cooking destroys these microbes.

Undercooked turkey bacon can make you seriously ill. And symptoms are often more dangerous for high-risk groups like pregnant women, children and the elderly.

Don’t take risks with raw turkey. Always cook uncured turkey bacon thoroughly before eating.

Proper Cooking Guidelines

To ensure uncured turkey bacon is free of harmful bacteria:

• Cook on stovetop or in oven until crispy brown
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Cut into centre of thickest part to check doneness
• Let sit 3 minutes before serving
• Discard any turkey bacon with pink or red areas

Visually judging doneness often isn’t sufficient. Use a food thermometer every time for guaranteed safety.

Is Pre-Cooked Uncured Turkey Bacon Safe?

Some turkey bacon products are labeled as both uncured and pre-cooked or ready to eat.

Pre-cooked uncured turkey bacon has been processed to eliminate pathogens and make it shelf stable without nitrates/nitrites. It can be consumed straight from the package.

But double check labels to ensure any uncured turkey bacon is marked “pre-cooked” or “ready to eat” before eating without cooking.

What Does “Uncured” Really Mean?

While uncured turkey bacon doesn’t contain synthetic nitrates/nitrites, most brands use natural sources of these preservatives like celery powder.

The USDA doesn’t consider natural nitrate/nitrite sources to be “curing agents”. But they convert into nitrites and function the same for preservation and color.

So don’t assume uncured automatically means no nitrates/nitrites whatsoever. It simply indicates no artificial versions were used.

Best Practices for Safely Enjoying Uncured Turkey Bacon

Here are some tips for safely incorporating uncured turkey bacon in your diet:

• Verify uncured turkey bacon is marked pre-cooked or cook to 165°F internal temperature
• Use a food thermometer every time for accuracy
• Cook in oven on sheet for even heating
• Avoid undercooking even if organic or uncured
• Check for “free from” labels to avoid unwanted ingredients
• Read labels closely to understand curing process used
• Store properly in fridge at 40°F or below
• Freeze for later use if not consuming quickly
• Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after contact with raw bacon

Healthiest Preparation Methods

To get the most nutrition from your turkey bacon:

• Bake in oven instead of frying
• Use olive oil instead of butter
• Combine with vegetables like brussels sprouts
• Limit fatty sides like hash browns
• Choose whole grain options like whole wheat toast
• Create balanced meals with protein, carbs and healthy fats

Proper handling and cooking of uncured turkey bacon eliminates risks while still providing great flavor and nutrition. Follow safe preparation and enjoy it as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

Uncured turkey bacon is raw unless explicitly labeled “pre-cooked” or “ready to eat”. All raw poultry carries a risk of foodborne bacteria and must reach 165°F internal temperature before consuming. Don’t assume anything marked natural, organic or uncured is safe to eat raw. Always cook uncured turkey bacon thoroughly and use a food thermometer to validate complete doneness. When preparing uncured turkey bacon, adhere to food safety guidelines to protect your health.