How Long Can Cooked Turkey Sit Out Before It Becomes Unsafe To Eat?
Key Points
- You can safely leave cooked turkey out at room temperature for two hours -- or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit -- says the United States Department of Agriculture
- Cooked turkey that has been left out for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F) should be discarded
- The reason is that bacteria grow rapidly when cooked turkey is kept at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F
Overview
You can safely leave cooked turkey out at room temperature for two hours -- or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit -- says the United States Department of Agriculture. Cooked turkey that has been left out for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F) should be discarded. The reason is that bacteria grow rapidly when cooked turkey is kept at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F. To prevent foodborne illness, try to refrigerate the cooked turkey as soon as you can. You can safely keep cooked turkey in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days; it will also keep well in the freezer for at least 4 months.Is Pink Turkey Meat Safe to Eat? How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Last? Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?Long-Lasting Produce Stock up and enjoy Your Questions Answered Steak that's changed color
Key Points
- You can safely leave cooked turkey out at room temperature for two hours -- or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit -- says the United States Department of Agriculture
- Cooked turkey that has been left out for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F) should be discarded
- The reason is that bacteria grow rapidly when cooked turkey is kept at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F
Related Foods
This information applies to: beef, chicken, cranberry, eggs, ground beef, hamburger, pie, potatoes, salad, shrimp, steak, stuffing, turkey
Tags
cooking expiration freezing leftovers refrigeration safety storage thawing