Can you still cook a turkey if it was left on the counter?

No, you should not cook a turkey that has been left out on the counter at room temperature for an extended period.

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Even a few hours can be enough for harmful bacteria to reach dangerous levels in raw poultry.

* Food Poisoning Risk: Consuming undercooked or contaminated turkey can lead to serious food poisoning, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

* Safety Guidelines: The USDA recommends that raw poultry be kept refrigerated at 40°F or below. Leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours is considered unsafe.

If you've left a turkey out for longer than two hours, it's best to throw it away. It's not worth the risk of getting sick.