Shelf Life Tips
- How long does frozen whole raw turkey last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep whole raw turkey frozen at all times.
-
Properly stored, frozen whole raw turkey will maintain best quality for about 12 months in the freezer, although it will usually remain safe to eat after that.
-
Is frozen whole raw turkey safe to eat after the expiration date on the package? Yes, if properly stored - commercially frozen whole raw turkey will typically carry a “Best By," "Best if Used By," “Best Before”, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the frozen whole raw turkey will remain at peak quality.
-
How long will frozen whole raw turkey remain safe to eat? Frozen whole raw turkey that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely, as long as it has been stored properly and the package is not damaged.
-
How to tell if frozen whole raw turkey is no longer good? If dry spots or discoloration have developed on the frozen whole raw turkey, freezer burn has begun to set in - this will not make the whole raw turkey unsafe to eat, but it will harm the texture and taste.
About Our Authors
Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
