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?

 

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