FSM 311: Fresh or Frozen Turkey for Thanksgiving?

Episode transcript [Music] I’m Susie Craig for Food Safety in a Minute. Is it too early to buy a Thanksgiving turkey? It depends on your personal preference of fresh or frozen. Either way, the timing of your purchase matters for food safety. Turkeys cooled and held at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below are labeled “frozen” or “previously frozen”. There’s plenty of time between now and Thanksgiving to purchase a frozen turkey, defrost, and cook. A turkey labelled “fresh” has never been refrigerated below 26 degrees Fahrenheit. The USDA advises waiting one or two days before Thanksgiving to purchase a fresh turkey. Always check the manufacturer’s tag on fresh turkey for “Best by” or “Use by” date. These indicate the turkey will be OK on the date of cooking. This is Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension. [Music] Resources: Food Safety and Inspection Service – United States Department of Agriculture. Turkey from Farm to Table. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/turkey-farm-table. Accessed online 10/23/24. Garcia, Jesus (Posted 11/9/23). Food Safety and Inspection Service - United States Department of Agriculture. Frozen or Fresh: Which Turkey Should You Buy? https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2023/11/09/frozen-or-fresh-which-turkey-should-you-buy. Accessed online 10/24/24.