Can you eat ground turkey that has been defrosted for five days?

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Even in the refrigerator, bacteria can still grow on thawed meat. The longer it stays thawed, the more bacteria can multiply.

* Foodborne Illness Risk: Eating ground turkey that has been defrosted for an extended period significantly increases your risk of food poisoning, especially from bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

General Defrosting Guidelines:

* Refrigerator: The safest way to defrost ground turkey is in the refrigerator. This takes about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat.

* Cold Water: Defrosting in cold water takes about 30 minutes per pound. Make sure the water is cold and change it every 30 minutes to keep the temperature below 40°F.

* Microwave: Some microwaves have a defrost setting. Use this method only if you're going to cook the meat immediately.

Remember: If you're unsure about the safety of any meat, it's always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.