Ground turkey is a popular, versatile meat that can be used in everything from hearty chili to juicy burgers. But like any fresh meat, it has a limited shelf life You may have noticed your raw ground turkey taking on a brownish hue and wondered – is it still safe to eat?
While a subtle change in color is normal as ground turkey ages, dramatic discoloration or brown/gray spots can be a red flag. Here’s what to know about ground turkey changing color and when it’s time to toss it.
What Causes Ground Turkey to Turn Brown?
Raw ground turkey naturally has a light pink or beige color depending on the ratio of light to dark meat. Over time, chemical changes in the meat cause the color to become duller and turn slightly brown. This is especially true for ground turkey that has been frozen. Freezer burn can accelerate discoloration.
Exposure to air also causes oxidation which leads to browning If your ground turkey wasn’t sealed properly or has been left in the fridge for several days, oxidation can take place making it appear brown or grayish.
Finally, bacterial growth turns turkey brown or gray If bacteria have multiplied significantly, the turkey will start to spoil and take on a brown, gray or greenish cast. This turkey is unsafe to eat.
Is Light Brown Ground Turkey Still Good?
If your raw ground turkey has developed a slightly dull or light brown color, it may still be fine to eat. Slight discoloration happens naturally as ground turkey ages and is not necessarily an indication it has spoiled.
Look for other signs of spoilage before deciding to discard lightly browned ground turkey:
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Smell – Does it have a sour or off odor? Fresh raw turkey has a mild scent.
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Slimy Texture – Excessive slime or stickiness signals bacteria growth.
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Grey/Green Spots – Patches of gray, green or yellow mean it’s spoiled.
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Expiration Date – Has it exceeded the use-by date on the package?
If it passes the smell, texture and expiration date tests, light brown ground turkey is likely still safe to cook and eat.
Is Dark Brown or Gray Ground Turkey Bad?
While a touch of light brown is OK, raw ground turkey that has turned dark brown, gray or has greenish spots should be discarded.
These distinct color changes indicate microbial growth and/or chemical breakdown of the meat tissues. Dark brown, gray or green turkey has likely spoiled and may contain harmful bacteria if consumed.
When cooked, ground turkey can develop a typical light brown color. However, if there are dark brown or gray patches mixed in, that’s a sign of spoilage as well.
Trust your eyes and always discard ground turkey that has turned dark brown, gray, green or yellow. The risk of foodborne illness is not worth eating potentially spoiled meat.
How to Prevent Ground Turkey from Turning Brown
To help keep your ground turkey looking fresh, follow these storage tips:
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Store in a sealed container or resealable bag after opening. Oxygen exposure causes browning.
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Refrigerate promptly at 40°F or below. Cold temperatures slow color change.
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Use within 1-2 days of purchase for best quality.
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Freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
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Don’t rely on color alone. Check smell and texture too before eating.
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When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk eating turkey that looks questionable.
What to Do With Brown Ground Turkey
If your ground turkey shows heavy discoloration or you’re unsure about its safety, it’s best to discard it. Here are some disposal tips:
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Place the spoiled ground turkey in a sealed bag before throwing away to contain the odor.
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Discard in an outdoor garbage bin if possible to limit smell in the kitchen.
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Be sure to wash any surfaces and utensils the turkey touched with hot soapy water.
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Don’t taste ground turkey that smells or looks spoiled, even just to check it.
Bottom Line – Should You Eat Brown Ground Turkey?
Minor brownish spots or dulling is normal for raw ground turkey as it ages. However, distinct gray, green or dark brown discoloration signals spoilage and the turkey should be discarded.
When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t risk eating turkey that looks or smells questionable. With fresh ground turkey readily available at the grocery store, it’s easy to replace if yours has turned brown past the point of no return.
StepsSection 1 of 4:
- Ground turkey should be cooked until it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) on the inside to kill bacteria that make people sick. [11] Keep cooking your turkey until the juices run clear if they are still pink. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 .
- Do not touch other foods or kitchen surfaces with dirty or raw ground turkey hands. Instead, wash your hands. [12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0 .
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Thanks for reading! If you want to know more about how to store meat, read our full interview with JoAnna Minneci.
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FAQ
Is ground turkey safe to eat if it turns brown?
How can I tell if ground turkey is bad?
Why is my raw turkey brown?
Can ground turkey be a little brown on Reddit?
Can you eat a brown ground turkey?
If the ground turkey is dark pink or brown, it is spoiled and should not be eaten. How to look at ground turkey: 1. Open the package of ground turkey and take a look at it.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Does ground turkey go bad?
Despite your efforts in storing the ground turkey properly, the meat may still go bad and deteriorate in quality. Here are some signs that indicate your ground turkey has gone bad. Fresh raw ground turkey doesn’t give off any smell. The meat is likely spoiled if you unwrap the package and smell an unpleasant odor, like a sour scent.
How do you know if ground turkey has gone bad?
Here are some signs that indicate your ground turkey has gone bad. Fresh raw ground turkey doesn’t give off any smell. The meat is likely spoiled if you unwrap the package and smell an unpleasant odor, like a sour scent. Raw turkey meat should be light pink or beige, depending on the type of meat and its fat content.
How do you know if ground turkey is safe to eat?
By following the visual cues and smell test, you can easily determine if ground turkey is safe to eat. One of the easiest ways to tell if ground turkey is bad is to smell it. Fresh ground turkey has a mild, slightly sweet smell. If the ground turkey smells sour, rancid, or ammonia-like, it is spoiled and should not be eaten.
Why is my Ground turkey turning green?
Those colors can be a sign of bacterial growth or the meat starting to oxidize. When you’ve cooked your ground turkey, it should take on a brownish color, depending on how you’ve prepared it. But spotting unusual dark or even green patches isn’t part of the plan. Of course, not every slight change in color means your turkey is off.