Proper storage is essential to serving safe food. The freezer should maintain foods at approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Meat or poultry, when purchased fresh, should be purchased no more than 2 or 3 days prior to service. Frozen products can be purchased much earlier without adversely effecting food safety or quality. It is recommended that you thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, which takes between 1 and 3 days depending upon the size of the product.
Thawing can also take place in the microwave oven.
For best results, follow the manufacturers' instructions. Pre-stuffed turkeys or chickens should not be thawed prior to cooking. The best way to check the internal temperature of meat is by sticking a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the product. If a meat thermometer is not available, an alternate method of checking temperature is by inserting a fork into the fleshy part of the meat or poultry and if the juices run clear the food is done. Poultry should be stuffed just prior to cooking.