What happens if you leave turkey out to thaw all day?

If you leave a turkey out to thaw all day at room temperature, it can become unsafe to eat. This is because bacteria can multiply rapidly in the temperature danger zone, which is between 40°F and 140°F. When a turkey is left at room temperature, it is in the temperature danger zone for too long, which can allow bacteria to grow and cause the turkey to become spoiled.

To safely thaw a turkey, it is important to follow the recommended thawing methods, which include:

* Thawing in the refrigerator: This is the safest method and can take several days, depending on the size of the turkey.

* Thawing in cold water: This method can be faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it is important to keep the turkey completely submerged in cold water and to change the water every 30 minutes.

* Thawing in the microwave: This method can be the quickest, but it is important to follow the microwave's instructions carefully to avoid uneven thawing or overheating.

It is also important to never leave a turkey out to thaw at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can allow bacteria to grow and multiply. If you need to thaw a turkey quickly, it is best to use the cold water method, and to cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.