the fresh turkey i bought has some very dark spots under the skin. Never seen this before. Is it OK to cook and eat?

Is it bruising?

L Wohlfarth
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  • 9 Comments

9 Comments

PamHansen December 12, 2021
I know this was from some time ago but since it is still showing online I will make a comment. These dark spots are bruising caused to the animal prior to being killed. Bruising doesn't happen after death. This animal suffered tremendously prior to its death. I would not buy any more turkeys or chickens that are sourced from this facility. Meat that comes from animal that are under a lot of stress like this is not typically good meat. It will be rubbery at best. There are humane ways to kill an animal for consumption which won't affect the quality of their meat. This should be a crime.
 
L W. November 26, 2015
Just went out and bought another one... Thanks.
 
L W. November 26, 2015
It smells fine, but has these very dark spots on both sides...
 
Kenzi W. November 26, 2015
Huh. Thanks for the photo. These look like bruises—some kind of bleeding under the tissue—but to be safest, I would call the place you purchased the turkey from!
 
L W. November 26, 2015
Large and under the skin, as you will see in photo. I've cooked turkeys for 40 years and never seen this. Did not see this through the wrapper!
 
ChefJune November 26, 2015
Are the spots on the skin or on the meat? Are they large or small?
 
L W. November 26, 2015
will do
 
Kenzi W. November 26, 2015
I wonder if you could take a picture and post it here? It's very hard to say without seeing it!
 
Kenzi W. November 26, 2015
Before we see the picture, I'd also say that if it smells okay and you know that every precaution was taken in the cooling / defrosting, those are points in your (your turkey's) favor.
 
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