Is a turkey thawed for 3 days still safe to cook?

Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Bacteria can grow rapidly in thawed meat, especially at room temperature. Even in the refrigerator, bacteria can multiply slowly.

* Foodborne illness: Eating undercooked or spoiled turkey can lead to foodborne illnesses like salmonella and campylobacter, causing severe illness.

Safe Thawing Practices:

* Refrigerator: The safest method. Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator.

* Cold Water: Submerge the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 30 minutes per pound.

* Microwave: Some microwaves have a defrost setting, but it's often not recommended for large turkeys as it can cook unevenly.

If you've thawed your turkey for 3 days, it's best to discard it and start over. Your health is more important than saving a turkey.