Thanksgiving Food Safety: Expert Tips to Avoid Food Poisoning

Preventing Foodborne Illness This Thanksgiving

• ⚠️ The CDC estimates 48 million people get sick from foodborne illness annually in the US, making food safety crucial, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving.
• 🎯 Experts urge caution in both preparing and serving Thanksgiving meals to prevent guests from getting sick.

Safe Turkey Preparation and Cooking

• 🌡️ Raw meat, especially turkey, must cook to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria.
• 🥩 Use a meat thermometer inserted into the innermost part of the thigh for an accurate temperature reading.
• ❌ Do not wash the turkey before cooking, as this splashes bacteria and creates a mess.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination and Safe Stuffing

• 🧼 Wash any surface that has touched raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
• ♨️ For stuffing, it is safer to cook it outside the turkey, as stuffing inside the bird may not reach a safe temperature.

Storing Leftovers Safely

• 🧊 Do not leave perishable leftovers out for more than 2 hours.
• 📦 Store leftovers in shallow containers inside the refrigerator.
• 🗓️ Leftovers can be safely kept for 3 to 4 days, or frozen for 3 to 4 months.