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Key Points
- The article discusses the importance of food safety during Thanksgiving, highlighting common mistakes that can lead to food poisoning.
- When shopping for a turkey, it's best to add it to your cart last to prevent it from thawing too early and potentially growing bacteria.
- The article provides detailed instructions on how to properly thaw and cook a turkey, emphasizing the importance of avoiding cross-contamination with other foods in the fridge.
- It also stresses the need to wash raw vegetables thoroughly to remove soil bacteria, and to store leftovers correctly to avoid food poisoning.
- The key takeaway is to follow these food safety tips to enjoy a safe and healthy Thanksgiving meal.
We are grateful for many things on Thanksgiving, but since the very
first, Thanksgiving has always been about feasting as a group and
enjoying the day. There are some basic food safety issues for Turkey
Day, however, so be careful to avoid some of these common food poisoning
mishaps.
Buying a Turkey
LiveScience.com cites the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) saying the time in which you place that frozen turkey in the shopping cart makes a difference. The turkey should be the last thing you place in your cart before heading to the cashier. Most Thanksgiving food shopping is lengthy because we make our lists and hope we can get everything all in one trip. Making the turkey last on your list avoids it from starting to thaw too early, giving it a higher chance to grow unwanted bacteria.
Related: Accident Prone: Common Holiday Accidents [INFOGRAPHIC]
Thawing and Cooking a Turkey
Be sure to thaw and fully cook your turkey to avoid food poisoning and a trip to an urgent care location near you for medical treatment.
- Thawing in the Refrigerator: The USDA says one to two days before Thanksgiving, remove the turkey from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. Place the frozen bird inside a baking sheet to catch leaking juices to avoid cross-contamination with other foods. A good rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours thawing time for every five pounds of turkey.
- Thawing in Water: You can also thaw a frozen turkey in your sink in cold water. To do this, immerse the frozen turkey (keep in original packing) in cold water. Then change the water and turn the turkey every 30 minutes until completely thawed.
- Cooking the Bird: TasteofHome.com offers great step-by-step tips on how to cook a turkey properly. Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it's cooked thoroughly.
Don't Cross-Contaminate Foods
With your refrigerator stuffed with foods that need to be cooked, and those that don't, it's easy to cross-contaminate foods allowing bacteria to spread. In other words, keep raw meats, fish, and poultry away from salad veggies and fruits.
Bacteria that spreads to foods you aren't cooking like salad ingredients or fresh fruit may cause food poisoning once ingested. If anyone experiences symptoms of food poisoning like nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, head to a retail clinic that offers emergency medical care.
Related: 4 Food Safety Tips to Always Keep in Mind
Be Careful with Vegetables
Raw vegetables that are grown in the ground like carrots or potatoes, are often contaminated with soil bacteria, according Live Science, so be sure to wash them thoroughly and remove outer peels before cooking.
Store Foods Correctly
Once the meal is over, it's best to place foods in the refrigerator in air-tight containers as soon as possible. If you leave any food out on the table longer than two hours, dump that food to avoid food poisoning. Also pay attention when reheating leftovers and cook them to 140 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.
Related: The Gross Facts About Food Poisoning
Make your Thanksgiving meal safe and skip the chances of food poisoning by following these smart and sensible tips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best practice when buying a turkey for Thanksgiving?
According to the Institute of Food Technologists, the turkey should be the last item you place in your shopping cart to avoid it starting to thaw too early, which can lead to the growth of unwanted bacteria.How should a turkey be thawed in the refrigerator?
The USDA recommends removing the turkey from the freezer one to two days before Thanksgiving and allowing it to thaw in the refrigerator. Place the frozen turkey inside a baking sheet to catch any leaking juices and prevent cross-contamination with other foods. Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every five pounds of turkey.What is an alternative method for thawing a turkey?
You can thaw a frozen turkey in your sink in cold water. Keep the turkey in its original packaging, immerse it in cold water, and change the water and turn the turkey every 30 minutes until it is completely thawed.How do I know when my turkey is fully cooked?
The turkey is thoroughly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.What is cross-contamination and how can it be avoided?
Cross-contamination is the spread of bacteria from one food to another, often from raw meats, fish, and poultry to other foods like salad vegetables and fruits. To avoid cross-contamination, keep these foods separate.What should be done if someone experiences symptoms of food poisoning?
If anyone experiences symptoms of food poisoning like nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, they should seek emergency medical care at a retail clinic.How should vegetables be prepared for Thanksgiving?
Raw vegetables, particularly those grown in the ground like carrots or potatoes, can be contaminated with soil bacteria. Wash them thoroughly and remove outer peels before cooking.What is the best way to store leftovers after the meal?
Leftovers should be placed in the refrigerator in air-tight containers as soon as possible. Any food left out on the table longer than two hours should be discarded to avoid food poisoning. When reheating leftovers, cook them to 140 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.
