How Long Can Turkey Soup Last in the Refrigerator?

Store leftover turkey soup in the freezer if you won't eat it within a few days.

Safe food handling helps protect you from food-borne illness. Food must not only be cooked to the correct temperature, but also stored within specific temperature ranges and for limited periods of time to prevent harmful bacteria from growing.

Length of Storage

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), soups containing cooked turkey or other poultry may be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. When using leftovers, you should be aware of the smell and taste of the soup. If the soup smells or tastes different after three days or less, you should not consume it.

Storage Conditions

Divide leftover turkey soup into smaller, shallow containers and cover them completely. Place the containers into a refrigerator that maintains a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. What's Cooking America recommends leaving space between the containers to allow air circulation.

Reheating Leftovers

When reheating turkey soup, bring the soup to a boil in a saucepan or in the microwave. According to the USDA, the soup must reach a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe for consumption.

References

• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Refrigeration and Food Safety
• What's Cooking America: How to Use Leftovers Safely
• Mayo Clinic: Food Poisoning--How Long Can You Safely Keep Leftovers?