If any of these situations sounds like your usual Thanksgiving dinner preparation plans, you may be putting your turkey in jeopardy. Over the last six years, USDA's staff on the Meat and Poultry Hotline have faced many challenges trying to save Thanksgiving turkeys that have been prepared in questionable ways. According to Conley, there are six basic problems that Hotline staff members hear every year. Read on to see if you unknowingly may be creating any of these scenarios. It's in a cold basement.
Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature.
Bacteria will begin to grow on the outside portion of the bird that defrosts first. These surface bacteria can multiply to dangerously high levels that cooking may not destroy. Instead Plan on 1 day of refrigerator defrost time for every 5 pounds of turkey. Some callers worry that a frozen turkey will spoil if left in the refrigerator for 4 days. Don't be concerned.