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# How to Safely Store, Thaw, and Roast a Turkey
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/how_to_safely_store_thaw_and_roast_a_turkey_1126130654/
- Published: 2013-11-26T19:47:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:05:44.000Z
- Description: Turkey safety tips: skip fresh pre-stuffed birds, thaw only in the refrigerator, cold water or the microwave, wash everything raw turkey touches, cook to an internal 165F, and throw out anything left at room temperature more than two hours.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Cooking, Recipes & Dining, #vivvo-import

Get tips on how to safely [store, thaw, and roast a turkey](https://www.foodconsumer.org/happy%5Fthanksgiving%5F1110130159/). 

Here are a few key tips:

**Avoid Fresh Pre-Stuffed Turkeys** \- Don't buy fresh pre-stuffed turkeys because harmful bacteria in the stuffing can quickly multiply. If you buy a frozen pre-stuffed turkey, look for a USDA or state mark of inspection. Frozen pre-stuffed turkeys should not be thawed before cooking.

**Thaw Frozen Turkey** \- There are 3 ways to safely thaw a frozen turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Look at the thawing chart, based on the size of the turkey. 

**Clean Up** \- Use soap and water to wash hands, utensils, counters, sinks, and anything that comes in contact with raw turkey and its juices. 

**Cook to 165°F** \- Cook your turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Look at timetables for roasting a turkey in a 325°F oven, based on the size of the turkey and whether or not it's stuffed.

**Discard After 2 Hours** \- After you've enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal, discard any turkey, stuffing, or gravy left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Or, if room temperature is above 90°F, discard food after 1 hour. (usa.gov)

More reads:

[How long to cook a turkey per pound](https://www.foodconsumer.org/how%5Flong%5Fto%5Fcook%5Fa%5Fturkey%5Fper%5Fpound%5F251120090717/) 

[What temperature to cook a turkey - safe cooking](https://www.foodconsumer.org/what%5Ftemperature%5Fto%5Fcook%5Fa%5Fturkey%5F2511100127/) 

[Questions and answers about cooking a turkey](https://www.foodconsumer.org/how%5Fto%5Fcook%5Fa%5Fturkey%5Ffor%5Fthanksgiving%5F1111131135/)