Most people keep deli meats in their fridge because they’re easy to make for lunch or a quick snack. But keep in mind that deli meat can only stay out at room temperature for two hours.
Deli turkey is a popular sandwich and meal ingredient for its convenience, taste and protein punch. But with all deli meats, proper storage and handling is crucial to prevent bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illness. One key question is how long sliced turkey can safely sit out unrefrigerated before it becomes unsafe to eat.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the shelf life storage serving and safety of sliced turkey deli meat. Follow these tips and enjoy turkey sandwiches with confidence!
How Long Can Sliced Turkey Sit Out at Room Temperature?
The 2 hour rule is the recommended maximum time deli meats like turkey can be left out unrefrigerated. According to the FDA Food Code, sliced turkey should not sit at room temperature above 40°F for more than 2 hours total This includes the time meat sits out during shopping, transport home and food prep
If the room temperature is 90°F or higher, this safe time is reduced to just 1 hour Warm conditions enable bacteria to multiply faster
What happens if turkey sits out too long? Potentially dangerous bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli and listeria can grow to unsafe levels after the 2 hour mark, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
To be safe, start a timer when you first take deli turkey out of refrigeration. When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take chances by leaving sliced turkey unrefrigerated for extended periods.
Proper Storage for Sliced Deli Turkey
To maximize freshness and prevent bacterial overgrowth, sliced deli turkey needs to be continuously stored at 40°F or colder. Here are some storage tips:
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Refrigerate turkey promptly after purchasing or opening.
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Keep turkey in its original packaging or an airtight container.
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Monitor refrigerator temperature and adjust as needed.
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Observe “sell by” and expiration dates on packaging.
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Freeze turkey for longer term storage of up to 2-3 months.
With proper refrigeration, unopened sliced turkey lasts 7-10 days past the printed date. Once opened, it keeps 3-5 days max.
Thawing Frozen Sliced Turkey Safely
Frozen turkey must be thawed safely before use. Do not leave turkey out at room temperature to thaw. Instead:
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Thaw turkey in the refrigerator overnight.
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Submerge sealed package in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
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Use the defrost setting on a microwave if cooking immediately after.
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Cook frozen turkey directly in recipes like soups or casseroles.
Always cook or refreeze thawed turkey immediately after thawing. Do not refreeze turkey once fully thawed.
Reheating and Food Safety with Leftover Turkey
Enjoy leftovers safely with these guidelines:
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Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours of serving.
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Only reheat leftovers once; discard any uneaten portions after second heating.
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When reheating, heat thoroughly until steaming hot, 165°F minimum.
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Add turkey to soups, salads and sandwiches to repurpose.
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Refrigerate stock, gravy and stuffing leftovers immediately.
Following proper protocols prevents leftovers from spoiling prematurely. Take care to refrigerate and reheat leftovers safely.
Serving Sliced Turkey Safely at Gatherings
From catered events to backyard BBQs, turkey is a popular protein to serve at gatherings. Follow these food safety tips when setting out sliced deli turkey:
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Maintain temperature control. Keep turkey chilled on ice or in the refrigerator until serving time.
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Avoid cross-contamination. Designate one person to handle/serve the turkey.
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Provide individual servings and utensils. Avoid “double dipping” in shared condiment bowls.
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Discard turkey within 2 hours of sitting out at room temperature.
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Replace with fresh portions frequently to ensure safety and quality.
By taking precautions when serving sliced turkey, you can reduce the risks associated with foodborne bacteria. Be vigilant with the 2-hour window!
How to Tell if Sliced Turkey Has Gone Bad
Despite proper storage, sliced turkey can still spoil ahead of the expiry date. Signs deli meat has gone bad:
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Unpleasant odor, slimy texture or sticky film
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Discoloration or grayish tint
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Dry, hard areas or crustiness
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Mold presence anywhere
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Expired date or questionable storage
When in doubt, remember – “When in doubt, throw it out”. Don’t take chances with spoiled turkey.
Enjoy Delicious Turkey Sandwiches Safely
By following these simple food safety guidelines, you can continue to enjoy sliced turkey deli meat with confidence. Refrigerate promptly, watch time limits, check for signs of spoilage and handle turkey properly from store to sandwich. Just remember to keep it cold! Proper storage and handling makes all the difference in avoiding illness from bacteria.
So relish a turkey club sandwich for lunch, pile turkey onto dinner wraps, or set out a turkey antipasto platter at your next event. With safe handling practices, sliced turkey stays fresh and delicious no matter how you use it!
Why Is There a Two Hour Rule?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that any food that goes bad after two hours should be thrown away. If the food is left out in temperatures of 90°F or higher, then only one hour. After this time, the food becomes unsafe to eat, and you risk food poisoning. Trace amounts of bacteria can be found on foods, such as staphylococcus aureus, salmonella enteritidis, E. coli, Campylobacter, clostridium perfringens, or Bacillus cereus. Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F. Deli meats are one of the foods most often linked to staphylococcal food poisoning. Keeping deli meats refrigerated will not stop the growth of bacteria but will slow it down. The most common signs of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If I Heat My Deli Meat After Leaving It Out, Will It Make It Safe?
It might not be safe to heat deli meat that has been out at room temperature for more than two hours. Some bacteria, like staphylococcus aureus (staph), can make toxins that can’t be killed by heat when food is left out for too long.
How Long Does Deli Meat Last (& Other Safety Tips for Buying Deli Meat) – Deli Meat 102
FAQ
How long can sliced turkey be unrefrigerated?
Can I eat a turkey sandwich that was left out overnight?
How long can turkey sit out before its bad?
Can I eat lunch meat that was left out overnight?
How long can a cooked turkey sit out?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey can sit out for two hours at room temperature and one hour if the temperature is over 90 degrees F. You should discard Any cooked turkey left out for more than two hours ( or one hour above 90° F). That’s because when cooked turkey sits at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F, the bacteria grow rapidly.
How long can Turkey be left out at room temperature?
Raw turkey should never be left out at room temperature (above 40°F or 4°C) for more than two hours. This time frame is reduced to just one hour if the room temperature is above 90°F (32°C), such as in a hot kitchen during summer.
How long can a Turkey stay out of the fridge?
According to the safety guidelines by the USDA, it is not safe to eat any perishable food left out of the fridge for more than two hours because bacteria grow very fast at room temperatures. Due to that, turkey can stay out for only two hours before it goes bad. Can turkey be left out overnight?
How long should a Turkey sit out before roasting?
Let the turkey sit out at room temperature 2 hours before roasting. Roast the bird: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven (remove racks above it) and heat to 400°F. Roast the turkey for 30 minutes to darken and crisp the skin. Reduce the heat to 325°F and roast the bird for an additional 2 hours.
How long should a Turkey rest before slicing?
The secret to making your turkey taste perfect lies in the details. And how long you should let the turkey rest before slicing it, is one of the most important details. Ideally, depending on the size of the turkey, you should let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes to get the maximum flavor and juiciness.
Can you leave a cooked turkey out overnight?
Even after being cooked, turkeys can still pose a risk of food poisoning if they’re not reheated properly. So if you plan on leaving a turkey out overnight, make sure to reheat it quickly and thoroughly before serving. Can you put hot turkey in the fridge? When it comes to Thanksgiving, many people are eager to cook their turkey.