How long can you keep a thawed turkey out of the refrigerator before cooking?

You should never keep a thawed turkey out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours.

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature. This can make you very sick if you eat the turkey.

* Food Safety: The USDA recommends that you keep raw poultry refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below to prevent bacterial growth.

If you need to thaw a turkey, do it in the refrigerator for safety. It takes about 24 hours to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of weight.

Here are some other safe ways to thaw a turkey:

* Cold Water: Submerge the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes per pound to thaw this way.

* Microwave: Some microwaves have a defrost setting. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Remember: It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. If you're unsure about how long you can keep a turkey out of the refrigerator, throw it away.