What shelf-life information is included on turkey packaging?

Packaged turkey may carry a "sell by" or "use by" date determined by the processor. However, both are quality dates rather than safety dates. Neither means that the turkey will be unsafe to eat immediately after that date.
 
A fresh turkey should be prepared within two days or stored in a freezer. Assuming turkey is purchased frozen, "sell by" and "use by" dates are meaningless. Frozen turkey stays safe indefinitely. Nevertheless, it's best to cook it within a year to ensure quality.
 
Source(s):
USDA Fact Sheets "Food Safety of Turkey ... from Farm to Table"