How Long Can Cooked Turkey Sit Out Before It Becomes Unsafe To Eat?
Question: How long can cooked turkey sit out before it becomes unsafe to eat?
Answer: 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.
See Also:
Is Pink Turkey Meat Safe to Eat?
How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Last?
Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?
