Time to Talk – and Thaw – Turkey

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -Thanksgiving is still several days away, but it might already be time to take your turkey out of the freezer. 

Depending on the size of the bird, it can take up to six days to thaw a Turkey in the refrigerator, and the Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding people why it's important that the meat is completely defrosted before cooking. If not, the turkey will not cook to the 165-degree temperature needed to kill bacteria.