AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question I purchased a farm fresh turkey last Novemeber... It has been in my freezer ever since. It is in a clear plastic bag... was never shrink wrapped... Is it still good?
Please help me :)
tyvm,
Jennifer
jennyj28@wowway.com
Answer Hi Jennifer,
Turkey that has remained frozen for one year will be safe to defrost and cook.
Since you say it was not wrapped tightly, air has been slowly changing the flavor of the meat. You may even notice areas of freezer burn. Freezer burn is not harmful to eat -- just not very appetizing.
Foods that remain frozen, even for years, are safe -- they just don't get better quality-wise. For maximum quality, it is recommended to freeze turkeys for up to 1 year.
In the future, for maximum quality be sure to tightly wrap meat before freezing. Air is the enemy when freezing so keeping it away ensures a fresher tasting product when you defrost and cook.
I hope this has helped. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension
