Hi Forum,
I bought a 12 lb frozen turkey for a dinner next week, and realized when I got home, that I don't have room in the freezer! The dinner is a week and a half away, and the turkey is nearly thawed in the frig.. Will it be OK to store it refrigerated for this long? I found numerous sources saying to cook within two days of thawing. I know that fresh turkeys have use by dates of a couple of weeks, so why wouldn't a frozen turkey work the same way?
Thank you!
Mike:)

Sorry, I don't know, Mike. But there are a number of folks who'll be along soon who can answer this. And BTW, welcome to SpicePlace!

Mike, I'd be reluctant to let it sit that long. Three or four days, maybe. But after that it gets problematical.

However, what if you precooked it? You could then buy at least a week. Then, on T-day reheat it (before carving) if you want.

But, realistically, if you take it out of the fridge in the morning you might not have to do even that. Most of the time, by the time a T-day bird has rested, and been carved, and brought to the table, it's pretty much at room temp anyway.

Just a possibility to keep in mindd. to keep in mind.

Regardless, make sure you get the bag of giblets/livers out of the body cavity. That's the first thing that spoils, and if it starts to go it will quickly progress to the bird itself.

Mike -

A 12 lb. turkey will thaw in the refrigerator in 2 days easily. It's a shame you purchased it too soon.

Your best bet is to cook it now, cool completely, and slice. You can even make your gravy ahead of time and when thoroughly cold you can place your gravy and sliced turkey in an aluminum pan, cover and freeze. Re-heat in the oven.

One thing - it would make your Thanksgiving meal preparations easier!

And you can even use the carcass for making soup or broth once the turkey is done cooking.

I wouldn't even chance going 3 days in the fridge with a bird that size - that causes spoilage - and please do not re-freeze it! That would only promote food poisoning.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I e-mailed Wampler Foods, and their R&D department came back with this:

Yes, the unopened, cold, thawed-out turkey can last in the refrigerator
up to 21 days without any shelf-life issues.


Mike Walker
Pilgrim's Pride R&D
706-213-3691
Elberton, GA


Have a great Turkey Day!
Mike: