Storing

Keep the following guidelines in mind when determining how long you can safely store your turkey products:

Before Cooking (raw turkey):

• If you have purchased a fresh whole turkey, remove the giblets and refrigerate in a covered container for use within 2-3 days.
• Whole turkeys can be kept frozen for 1 year, parts for 6 months. Once thawed, treat as fresh turkey and do not refreeze until cooked.
• Ground turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 day, or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
• Cooked meats or cold cuts should be used within 3-4 days after placement in the refrigerator, or after 2-3 months in the freezer.

NOTE: Count the number of days from the "packaged on" date. 

After Cooking (cooked turkey):

• Cooked turkey can be stored in a covered container, plastic bag or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
  

NOTE: After cooking, keep the turkey hot (above 140ºF (60ºC)) or refrigerate below 40ºF (4ºC).  Do NOT leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours!