How Long Can Uncooked Turkey Bacon Be Left Out Before It Spoils?

Turkey bacon has become a popular lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon But like regular bacon, turkey bacon is still a raw meat product that requires proper storage and handling to avoid bacterial contamination So how long can you leave uncooked turkey bacon sitting out before it becomes unsafe to eat?

The general recommendation for any type of raw meat, poultry or seafood is that it should not be left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours before cooking. This includes uncooked turkey bacon.

After two hours, turkey bacon moves into the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F, a place where bacteria can grow quickly. There is a chance of getting sick from turkey bacon that has been out for too long.

Here are some guidelines for how long uncooked turkey bacon will remain fresh when left out at room temperature, and signs that turkey bacon has spoiled:

How Long Can Uncooked Turkey Bacon Sit Out?

• Uncooked turkey bacon should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours before cooking

• Bacteria are more likely to grow on turkey bacon that has been out for more than two hours.

• If you leave uncooked turkey bacon out at room temperature for three to four hours, it starts to grow dangerous bacteria and should be thrown away.

• Never leave uncooked turkey bacon out overnight. The extended time in the danger zone makes overnight turkey bacon unsafe.

• On hot days (90°F+), turkey bacon should not be left out for more than 1 hour before cooking or refrigeration.

• Freezing or cooking turkey bacon does not “reset” the 2 hour timer. Cooked and frozen turkey bacon also should not sit out more than 2 hours.

How To Tell If Uncooked Turkey Bacon Has Spoiled

Rely on your senses to determine if turkey bacon has gone bad after sitting out too long:

• Smell – Fresh turkey bacon has a mild aroma. Foul, sour or ammonia-like odors mean it has spoiled.

• Color – Good uncooked turkey bacon is pale pink to red. Gray, green or yellow hues indicate spoilage.

• Sliminess – Bad turkey bacon may appear moist or sticky on the surface.

• Mold – Spotting fuzzy mold on turkey bacon is a sign it should be discarded.

Trust your instincts – if turkey bacon has been sitting out for longer than 2 hours, or seems at all unpleasant to the senses, play it safe and throw it away. Don’t take risks with foodborne illness.

Proper Storage of Uncooked Turkey Bacon

To avoid having to throw turkey bacon away due to improper storage:

• Store unopened turkey bacon in the refrigerator. Use within 1 week of the sell-by date.

• Place opened packages in airtight containers or resealable bags before refrigerating. Use within 5-7 days.

• For longer storage, freeze turkey bacon. It will keep for 2-3 months frozen at 0°F.

• Freeze uncooked turkey bacon in original packaging, or wrap well in plastic and aluminum foil before freezing.

• Thaw frozen turkey bacon overnight in the refrigerator, not on the counter.

• Once thawed, cook refrigerated turkey bacon within another 1-2 days for best quality.

• Store raw turkey bacon away from cooked foods. Place packages on plates to catch leaks.

• When marinating, do so in the refrigerator. Discard used marinade, don’t reuse.

Always follow safe food handling and cooking practices when dealing with raw turkey bacon. Handle it carefully to avoid cross-contamination of kitchen surfaces, utensils and other food items. Cook thoroughly to kill any bacteria present. Refrigerate leftovers quickly after cooking.

What Happens If You Leave Uncooked Turkey Bacon Out Too Long?

Leaving uncooked turkey bacon out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours provides potential pathogens extra time to multiply to dangerous levels.

Consuming turkey bacon that has sat in the danger zone too long puts you at increased risk for food poisoning by bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and campylobacter.

Symptoms generally include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. But severe cases may lead to hospitalization. People with compromised immune systems are at heightened risk.

So if you discover that your turkey bacon has been left out for more than 2 hours, it is safest to throw it away. The health risks associated with eating spoiled, bacteria-laden turkey bacon far outweigh the small cost of discarding it.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Cooked Turkey Bacon

Properly storing cooked turkey bacon is also important. Follow these guidelines:

• Refrigerate cooked turkey bacon in a sealed container. Use within 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, freeze cooked turkey bacon for 2-3 months at 0°F.

• Thaw frozen cooked turkey bacon overnight in the refrigerator.

• Reheat fully cooked turkey bacon to 165°F. Check temperature with a food thermometer.

• Don’t microwave cooked turkey bacon to reheat – use the oven or stove instead for even heating.

• Discard cooked turkey bacon that is moldy, smells bad or looks slimy. Don’t taste test questionable bacon.

By understanding how long uncooked turkey bacon can safely sit out at room temperature, checking for signs of spoilage, and storing it properly in the refrigerator or freezer, you can avoid foodborne illness and enjoy delicious turkey bacon safely.