Turkey is a lean and tasty protein that can be enjoyed in everything from sandwiches to stir-fries. However, like any meat, turkey is perishable and can go bad if not stored and handled properly. Eating spoiled turkey can cause unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Luckily, there are several easy ways to determine if your turkey is still good or if it’s time to toss it. This guide will go over all the signs of spoiled turkey, tips on turkey storage, and how long turkey lasts in the fridge or freezer. Read on to learn everything you need to know how to tell if turkey is bad.
Now that you know how to tell if turkey has gone bad, it’s equally important to understand how to store turkey correctly to extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage in the first place.
Turkey can be a nutritious and delicious meal but only when fresh. Once turkey has gone bad it can make you very sick if you eat it. How can you tell if your raw turkey has gone bad? One of the most telling signs is the smell. Here’s what to watch out for when sniffing your turkey to determine freshness.
Trust Your Nose
Your nose is an invaluable tool when it comes to detecting spoiled turkey. Give the raw turkey a big whiff before you use it. If anything smells “off,” it’s safest to toss it. Some common funky odors that indicate spoiled turkey include:
- Sour, acidic smell
- Rotten, sulfurous odor
- Sickly sweet or fruity smell
- Ammonia-like odor
If you detect any of these scents or anything other than fresh, clean turkey aroma, do not risk eating the meat. The odor is a clear sign it has started to break down and spoil. Don’t let the turkey’s appearance fool you if the smell is bad.
Key Odor Culprits
There are a few main chemical culprits responsible for the nasty smells of bad turkey. Being aware of these will help you identify when turkey has turned before you bite into it.
Bacteria
Microbes like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli rapidly multiply on poultry at unsafe temperatures, generating stinky metabolic byproducts in the process. The bacteria themselves as well as the gas and acids they produce yield foul odors.
Amino Acids
Protein-rich meats like turkey contain lots of amino acids As turkey spoils, proteins break down, liberating smelly amino acid molecules Two offenders are cadaverine (rotting flesh smell) and putrescine (foul odor).
Rancid Fats
Turkey is high in unsaturated fats that can oxidize into rancid compounds as the meat deteriorates, The breakdown of these fats contributes to unpleasant odors
Gases
Gases like hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane are produced as turkey rots, yielding strong, distinct odors. A buildup of these smelly gases indicates spoiled meat.
Where To Sniff
Make sure to thoroughly sniff various parts of the turkey when checking for freshness. Bacteria and spoilage can create an isolated pocket of bad odor. Don’t just sniff the surface or you could miss it. Stick your nose in crevices and cavities. Check especially moist areas like:
- Inside the cavity
- Under flaps of skin
- Around the neck and backbone opening
- Deep in the joints
Probe any skeevy smells to make sure the turkey is entirely fresh.
What About Thawed Turkey?
Freezing can slow down spoilage, but not stop it fully. Previously frozen raw turkey can still go bad after thawing. Make sure to do a smell check of turkey that was frozen then thawed before cooking it.
Still check the odor and texture of the meat after you thaw the ground turkey to ensure it hasn’t gone bad. If it’s slimy or has an odd, sour smell, toss it out.
Look for the same rotten, sulfury odors that signal spoilage in fresh turkey. Just because it was safely frozen before doesn’t guarantee it’s still fresh after defrosting.
When In Doubt, Throw It Out
If you are questioning whether your turkey’s odor seems off, it’s not worth the risk. The harmful bacteria that grow in spoiled turkey can cause severe food poisoning.
Don’t let the price paid make you second guess your nose. If it smells bad, trash it. Likewise, appearances can be deceiving so go by smell over look.
Your nose knows when turkey has gone bad. Trust it and stay safe. Don’t chance eating turkey that has an iffy odor. A stomach bug will ruin your meal plans way more than having to buy a new turkey breast or leg. Let your sniffer guide you to make smart decisions about freshness.
How To Keep Turkey Fresh Longer
To minimize spoilage and stinky turkey, follow proper storage guidelines:
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Freeze turkey if not using it within 1-2 days of purchasing.
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Store turkey in a sealed container or bag in the coldest part of your fridge or freezer. This prevents freezer burn too.
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Place a temperature thermometer inside your fridge and freezer to monitor they stay at proper temps (0°F or below for freezer, 40°F for fridge).
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Don’t let raw turkey, juices, or drippings come in contact with other foods in the fridge to prevent cross-contamination.
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Cook turkey within 1-2 days of thawing. Don’t refreeze thawed raw turkey.
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Marinate turkey in the fridge, not on the counter. Refrigeration inhibits microbial growth.
Following safe temperature and handling practices will help combat bacteria and oxidation that causes turkey to spoil quickly. This keeps your turkey fresh longer and free of those nasty telltale smells of bad turkey when you go to cook it.
Bottom Line
One sniff of your raw turkey can reveal whether it has gone bad or not. Put your nose to the test and sniff deeply in crevices and cavities. If you detect sour, sulfury, ammonia, or other unpleasant odors, pitch the turkey. Don’t even think about taking a taste or trying to cook bad smelling turkey. The risk of foodborne illness is too great. Let your nose guide you to make the right call on tossing turkey that smells off.
Can you get food poisoning from bad turkey?
Yes, eating spoiled, undercooked, or contaminated turkey can give you food poisoning. Turkey is prone to harbor salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, and other bacteria that can cause vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea. Leftovers and raw turkey are the biggest risks.
When In Doubt, Throw It Out
Turkey that smells bad, looks weird, feels slimy, or otherwise seems off should be discarded. With poultry, it’s always better to be safe than sorry as eating spoiled turkey can cause food poisoning.
Don’t let the cost of the wasted turkey convince you to keep questionable meat! Getting sick from foodborne illness can result in hospitalization and serious complications that just aren’t worth risking to save a few bucks on groceries.
Stick to Turkey which passes all freshness tests with flying colors. If you have any lingering concerns about your turkey’s safety, remember – when in doubt, throw it out!
Now that you know how to tell if turkey has gone bad, it’s equally important to understand how to store turkey correctly to extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage in the first place.
How can I tell if my meat’s gone bad?
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