has anyone cooked a turkey which was thawed on the counter?

very dangerous territory which encourages salmonella (food poisoning that runs from mild intestinal trauma to hospitalization, dehydration and death, depending on severity and general health of the individuals who contract salmonella, only one type of food poisoning). I have had such intestinal trauma, I have become a very light, careful eater.

nop

nope

i have

Years ago, everyone did.

We all survived.

the problem lies in not cooking the bird completely.

I prefer thawing in the fridge as its less work. We do large turkeys because we have a large family so I get mine in the fridge to thaw(bottom shelf, in a pan) on the previous Saturday. Keep in mind that it takes 24 hours for each 5 pounds and EVERY bird still is usually pretty icy inside on Wednesday night when I get it ready and into the roaster for thanksgiving morning.

Millions in the UK, what is the problem?

Yes. Every year for past 5-6 years,

I am sure that MANY people have done this.

I am sure that many people have not become ill doing this.

I am also sure that some have become ill due to this.

Would I do it...no.

I am sure that my Mom had done this 60 + years ago. And I lived!

The safest way to thaw any meat is in the refrigerator.

Quick (and it is not real "quick" with a turkey) would be in a basin with cold water running over it. Or replacing the water every 30 minutes or so.

No my family never cooks an entire turkey, instead they buy the turkey parts (wings, drumsticks, etc).

The last time my mom cooked an entire turkey she later found out that it was not cooked all the way. Her husband ate it and never knew (but that's not a bad thing)