All Storage GuidesSTORAGE // FS-004
poultrySTATE: RAWUSDA VERIFIED
How Long Does Raw Ground Turkey Last?
Best stored in: Original packaging, or freezer bag with air pressed out
Refrigerator
1–2 days
32°F–40°F (0°C–4°C)
Use quickly — ground poultry is highly perishable.
Freezer
3–4 months
0°F (−18°C)
Flatten into thin slabs for faster thawing.
Best Storage Method
Refrigerate in original packaging on a plate on the lowest shelf; freeze in portioned amounts if not using within 2 days.
Container: Original packaging, or freezer bag with air pressed out
Signs It's Gone Bad
- ×Slimy or sticky feel
- ×Strong sour or rancid smell
- ×Dull brownish-gray color throughout
- ×Packaging puffed with gas
Cook ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) — never rely on color alone.
Source & Verification
USDA FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart
Pro Tip: Flatten ground turkey in a freezer bag before freezing — it thaws in half the time and stacks like a file folder.