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Is expired ground turkey safe ?

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Is expired ground turkey safe to eat?

I bought a pound of ground turkey on Friday evening and stored it in the fridge (not the freezer). The package had an expiration date of March 3rd, and today is March 4th.

I noticed the turkey has changed from pink to a slightly faded pink. When I opened it, there was a bit of a smell, but I didn’t think it was too bad, so I decided to cook it. I browned the meat and then simmered it with beans and tomatoes for half an hour with the pot covered.

Does cooking it for that long eliminate any harmful bacteria? Is it risky to eat, or is it still safe? What should I do?

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One response to “Is expired ground turkey safe ?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It’s understandable to be concerned about food safety, especially with ground turkey nearing its expiration date. The changes in color you’ve noted are not uncommon, as ground turkey can shift from a bright pink to a faded color as it begins to age.

    Regarding the smell, if it was only slightly off but not overwhelmingly bad or sour, cooking it thoroughly (to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) as you did can indeed reduce the risk of foodborne illness by killing harmful bacteria that might have been present.

    However, it’s important to trust your senses—if the smell changed significantly or if there were any signs of spoilage like a slimy texture, it would be best to err on the side of caution and not consume it.

    Given that you’ve cooked it properly, if you feel comfortable with the smell and texture, it should generally be safe to eat. Just be mindful of how you feel after eating it. If you experience any adverse symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. For future reference, always check your ground turkey for any signs of spoilage, and when in doubt, it’s better to discard it to avoid any risk.

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