Food Safety Issues/Frozen turkey

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 6/1/2006


Question
I have a turkey that has been in my freezer since November 2005.  
Is it still edible or should it be disposed of?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Andy,

Yes --it's safe to defrost, cook and eat.  While the quality of the turkey may not be as good, it is still safe.

The recommended freezer storage time for whole turkey is 6-9 months.  After 9 months the quality of the bird starts to decline.

It's not a safety issue -- just a quality issue. Freezer burn, off flavors, etc are some of the things that can happen to long-term freezer stored foods.  While neither of these are harmful, they don't make for a very appetizing food to serve.

Hope this help, Andy.  If you have any additional questions, please let me know.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension

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Volunteer

Carol Schlitt

Expertise

I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).

Experience

I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.

Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.

Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

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