If a cooked turkey has been left out overnight what should you do with it?

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, and the longer food sits out, the higher the risk of harmful bacteria growing. This can cause food poisoning.

* Temperature Danger Zone: The "danger zone" for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Left out overnight, a cooked turkey will likely fall within this zone, making it unsafe to eat.

What to do:

1. Don't eat it. Even if it looks and smells fine, it's best to err on the side of caution.

2. Discard it. Sadly, the turkey must be thrown away.

3. Check the temperature: To be safe, always use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of cooked meat reaches a safe temperature (165°F for turkey).

Preventing future issues:

* Refrigerate quickly: Cool cooked turkey within two hours (or one hour in temperatures above 90°F).

* Store properly: Refrigerate cooked turkey in shallow containers to speed cooling and prevent bacteria growth.

* Don't overcrowd the fridge: Allow space for air circulation to help keep the turkey cold.

Remember, food safety is crucial! It's better to be safe than sorry.