If I left my turkey for five days to thaw and it now has some brown spots can still cook it?

* Spoilage: Even if your turkey was properly refrigerated during thawing, five days is a very long time. Bacteria can grow rapidly, especially at temperatures above 40°F (4°C), causing spoilage. The brown spots are likely an indication of this.

* Food Poisoning Risk: Eating spoiled meat can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

What to do:

* Don't eat it! The safest course of action is to discard the turkey.

* Prevent this in the future:

* Thaw safely: Thawing in the refrigerator is the safest method. Allow about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.

* Don't over-thaw: If the turkey is completely thawed, it's best to cook it as soon as possible.

Remember: When it comes to food safety, it's always better to err on the side of caution.