How Long Can Raw Turkey Sit Out Before It Goes Bad?

Handling raw turkey properly is crucial to avoid foodborne illness. A common question many home cooks have is “how long can raw turkey sit out at room temperature before it goes bad?” I dug into food safety research and expert guidance to find the answer. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the raw turkey time limits, signs of spoiled turkey, and safely defrosting frozen birds.

Overview of Raw Turkey Time Limits

According to the USDA, raw turkey should not sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours [1]. This 2 hour window includes time for preparation and handling.

Some key turkey time limits to keep in mind:

• Raw turkey in the fridge: 1-2 days
• Raw turkey in the freezer: 9-12 months
• Thawing in the fridge: 1-2 days
• Thawing in cold water: Up to 2 hours
• Room temperature after thawing: 2 hours

The reason for these strict time recommendations is food safety. Raw poultry can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella. As turkey sits out and warms up, these bacteria multiply very quickly [2].

Signs Your Turkey Has Gone Bad

Keep an eye out for these signs that indicate your raw turkey has spoiled and is unsafe to eat:

• Slimy texture – A sticky, slimy feel or layer on the turkey’s surface can indicate bacterial growth. Sliminess is one of the most telling visual signs

• Discoloration – Raw turkey can turn from pink to grey, green, or brown as it spoils An unusual color change is a clear warning

• Foul smell – Fresh raw turkey has a mild odor A rancid, ammonia-like, or rotten smell means spoilage

• Dry, stiff texture – If the turkey flesh is unusually stiff or dry rather than softly pliant, it is likely spoiled.

• Mold growth – Any fuzzy mold spots indicate the turkey has spoiled and should be thrown out.

If in doubt, remember the old adage – when in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk eating turkey that shows any odd signs.

Safely Thawing Frozen Turkey

Since turkeys are often purchased frozen, proper thawing is essential for food safety. Here are some recommended ways to safely defrost turkey:

• Fridge thawing – Place the wrapped turkey on a plate to catch drips. Allow 1-2 days for every 4-5 lbs.

• Cold water thawing – Submerge the turkey in its wrapper in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 mins. About 30 mins per pound.

• Microwave thawing – Check your microwave’s owner manual for defrosting times based on turkey weight. Cook immediately after thawing.

Once thawed, the USDA recommends leaving the turkey in the fridge for no more than 1-2 days before cooking [3]. You can also keep it in the freezer for longer term storage.

No matter the defrosting method, raw turkey should never sit at room temperature for longer than 2 hours after reaching a thawed state. At room temperature, bacteria can multiply rapidly.

Safely Handling Thawed Raw Turkey

Follow these tips for safely handling and prepping raw turkey once it’s thawed:

• Cook or refreeze within 1-2 days of fridge thawing.

• Discard any turkey juices which may have bacteria present.

• Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for raw turkey.

• Wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils thoroughly after handling.

• Store thawed turkey tightly wrapped in the fridge until ready to cook.

• Never leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours during prep time.

• Cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Proper handling when thawing, prepping, and cooking are all crucial to prevent illness from bacteria present in raw poultry.

Answering Common Turkey Time Limit Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how long turkey can be left out:

How long can raw turkey sit out before cooking?

Raw turkey should only sit out for up to 2 hours before cooking. Leaving it out longer risks bacteria growth in the danger zone between 40°F-140°F.

Can you refreeze thawed raw turkey?

Previously thawed raw turkey can be safely refrozen if it has been kept fridge-cold (below 40°F). Refreeze right away, do not let sit out once thawed.

Is it safe to eat raw turkey after 5 hours?

No, turkey that has sat for more than 2 hours outside proper refrigeration may have dangerous levels of bacteria present. It is unsafe to eat after sitting out for 5 hours.

Can raw turkey be left in the fridge for 5 days?

The USDA recommends using raw turkey within 1-2 days, even when refrigerated [4]. The longer it’s in the fridge, the higher the risk of bacteria growth. Discard turkey that’s been refrigerated for 5 days.

How long can cooked turkey sit out at room temperature?

Cooked turkey should be refrigerated within 2 hours, just like raw. Leaving it out longer than 2 hours allows bacteria to regrow on the cooked meat.

The Bottom Line

When dealing with raw turkey, limiting time out of the fridge is crucial. Follow the 2 hour rule, watch for signs of spoilage, and take care when thawing frozen birds. With proper handling, you can safely enjoy delicious turkey without worries!

References:

[1] https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-raw-turkey-in-the-refrigerator

[2] https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/danger-zone-40f-140f

[3] https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/turkey-basics-safe-handling

[4] https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration-and-food-safety