How Long Can Uncooked Turkey Sit Out [Answered]

In this blog post, we’re going to discuss a crucial question: How Long Can Uncooked Turkey Sit Out?

Are you planning on cooking a turkey for your next big feast? Or maybe you’re in the hospitality industry and want to ensure your guests are safe during mealtime.

Either way, it’s important to keep food safety in mind, especially when it comes to handling raw poultry.

Stick around for the answer, and some tips to keep your food safe and delicious.

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How Long Can Uncooked Turkey Sit Out

According to the USDA, it is not safe to leave raw turkey sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Harmful bacteria can grow on the turkey within this time frame, increasing the risk of foodborne illness if consumed.

If the temperature is above 90 °F (32 °C), the limit is reduced to 1 hour.

It’s best to keep raw turkey refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to begin preparing it and to follow proper food safety practices to avoid foodborne illness.

Factors that can affect the time limit uncooked Turkey Sit out

Leaving an uncooked turkey out at room temperature can be dangerous as it allows bacteria to grow on the surface of the meat.

Factors that can affect the time limit a turkey can sit out at room temperature include the ambient temperature, humidity levels, and the initial bacterial load on the turkey.

Generally, it is recommended that you do not leave an uncooked turkey out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Learn more about storing poultry.

Best Practices for Storing Uncooked Turkey

To store an uncooked turkey, it is best to freeze it below 0 °F (-18 °C) until you are ready to use it.

If you plan to use it within a day or two, you can keep it in the refrigerator at 40 °F (4 °C).

When storing in the refrigerator, it is important to keep the turkey wrapped and properly labeled.

After cooking, you can refrigerate the turkey meat and cooked dishes containing turkey for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.

It is also important to be aware of signs of spoilage, such as off-odors, slimy texture, and color changes

How to store uncooked turkey

Here is a step-by-step process for storing an uncooked turkey in the freezer:

Make sure the turkey is fully wrapped in airtight packaging, such as plastic wrap or freezer paper. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the turkey fresh.
Place the wrapped turkey in a large resealable plastic bag and press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
Label the bag with the current date, the type of meat (turkey), and the weight of the turkey.

Place the bagged turkey in a level spot in the back of the freezer, where the temperature is most consistent.
Store it in the coldest part of the freezer, at or below 0 °F (-18 °C).
Keep the turkey frozen until you are ready to thaw and cook it.

Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator: Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and place it on a tray or pan to catch any juices. For every 4-5 pounds of turkey, allow 24 hours of thawing time in the fridge. Therefore if you have a 15-pound turkey, you should allow it to thaw for approximately 3 full days in the fridge.

Learn more about eating raw turkey.

Risks of Leaving Uncooked Turkey Out for Too Long

Here are some common risks that may arise from leaving uncooked turkey out for too long:

Bacterial growth: Leaving raw turkey out at room temperature for extended periods creates ideal breeding grounds for bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus that can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Toxin production: Certain bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium botulinum can release toxins, which can contaminate food and lead to food poisoning when consumed.
Cross-contamination: Leaning uncooked turkey out for too long can increase the likelihood of cross-contamination with other ingredients. Cross-contamination can cause foodborne illness in individuals who are allergic to ingredients such as gluten or shellfish.

Spoilage: When uncooked turkey is left out for too long, it can become rancid, leading to unpleasant odors and tastes that may make the turkey unsafe for consumption.
Oxidation: When exposed to air, raw turkey meat can become oxidized, leading to unpleasant odors, changes in color, and changes in texture.
Reduced nutritional value: When left out for too long, uncooked turkey meat loses its nutritional value, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can destroy essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

Pathogens: Uncooked turkey can harbor various pathogens that can cause a range of foodborne illnesses. Consuming uncooked turkey can increase the risk of pathogens, including salmonella, campylobacter, and E. coli, which can cause debilitating illnesses.
Prolonged thawing: Leaving raw turkey out at a warm room temperature can prolong the time that it takes to thaw, which can result in uneven thawing and an increased risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
Increased risk of food poisoning: When left out for too long, uncooked turkey can expose individuals to a wide range of foodborne illnesses, and consuming contaminated meat can lead to nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.