Turkey is a delicious and versatile protein that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. However, like all meat, turkey can spoil if it is not stored properly. This guide will help you identify the signs of spoiled turkey, both fresh and cooked, so that you can avoid food poisoning.
How to Tell if Fresh Turkey is Bad
Fresh turkey should have a mild slightly sweet smell. If your turkey smells sour like ammonia, or has a strong odor, it is likely spoiled. Additionally, fresh turkey should be moist and have a pink color. If your turkey is dry, discolored, or has a slimy texture, it is likely bad.
Signs of Spoiled Fresh Turkey:
- Sour or ammonia-like odor
- Dry, discolored, or slimy texture
- Mold or yeast growth
- Past the expiration date
How to Tell if Cooked Turkey is Bad
Cooked turkey should have a pleasant, savory smell. If your turkey smells sour, like rotten eggs, or has a strong odor, it is likely spoiled. Additionally, cooked turkey should be moist and have a white or light brown color. If your turkey is dry, discolored, or has a slimy texture, it is likely bad.
Signs of Spoiled Cooked Turkey:
- Sour or rotten egg-like odor
- Dry, discolored, or slimy texture
- Mold or yeast growth
- Stored in the refrigerator for more than 3-4 days
What Does Bad Turkey Taste Like?
Bad turkey often tastes sour, bitter, or metallic. It may also have a rancid or off-putting flavor. If you take a bite of turkey and it tastes bad, spit it out and do not eat any more.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Turkey?
Eating bad turkey can cause food poisoning, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, food poisoning can lead to dehydration and hospitalization.
How to Prevent Turkey Spoilage
- Store fresh turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
- Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Refrigerate cooked turkey within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store cooked turkey in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days.
By following the tips in this guide, you can help prevent turkey spoilage and avoid food poisoning. If you are ever unsure whether turkey is bad, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Additional Resources
- How to Tell if Turkey is Bad (Raw & Cooked) | KitchenSanity
- How to Tell If Ground Turkey Has Gone Bad | EatingWell
FAQs
Does fresh turkey have a smell?
Yes, fresh turkey has a very subtle smell that most people cannot identify. However, if it has a strong odor, it may be bad.
What does bad turkey look like?
Bad turkey will have lost its normal color of white skin and pink flesh. It may have turned gray, have spotting on the skin, and look slimy.
What does bad turkey taste like?
Bad turkey often tastes sour or not quite right. It should not be consumed in order to prevent food poisoning.
What happens if you eat bad turkey?
If your eat bad turkey, you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms are caused by food poisoning bacteria that have multiplied to dangerous levels in the meat and you may require professional medical attention.
StepsSection 1 of 4:
- The internal temperature of ground turkey should be cooked to 165 °F (74 °C) in order to destroy bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses. [11] Continue cooking your turkey until the juices run clear if they are still pink. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 .
- To prevent bacteria from spreading to other food or kitchen surfaces, wash your hands after handling raw or spoiled ground turkey. [12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 .
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Things You Should Know
- To determine whether your turkey is spoiled, smell it to see if it has a bad, sour smell.
- If the texture of your ground turkey is slimy, throw it out.
- If the color of the ground turkey darkens or dulls to a dark gray, it’s definitely gone bad. Throw it out.