Turkeys found in retail stores are inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Look for an inspection mark that shows the poultry is safe and wholesome. Buy fresh or frozen turkey. Buy a fresh turkey if you plan to roast it within the next day or two. Never buy a pre-stuffed fresh turkey.
Bacteria can grow quickly in the stuffing , causing food borne illness.
You can buy the turkey frozen and store it in your freezer for later use. Don t buy a turkey with a torn package. Torn packages can lead to freezer burn, which dries out the meat. If you buy a pre-stuffed frozen turkey, keep it frozen until time to cook. Frozen turkeys are usually great buys.