Statewide — This week, Americans will enjoy a delicious meal on Thanksgiving Day with family and friends – either in person or virtually. Taking the necessary steps toward safe food handling and sanitation will help protect you and your loved ones this year. To make sure your Thanksgiving meal is prepared safely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering food safety advice to reduce foodborne illness, including on Thanksgiving Day.
• Wash Your Hands
• Thawing the Turkey – The best method to thaw the turkey is in the refrigerator since this allows slow, safe thawing. When thawing the turkey in the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey.
• Avoid Cross-Contamination
• Do Not Stuff the Turkey
• Cooking to the Safe Temperature – A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a food thermometer in three parts: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the wing, and the innermost part of the thigh.
• The Two-Hour Rule – To make sure food stays safe to eat through the weekend, all perishable items should be refrigerated within two hours of when they finished cooking.
• Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you need last-minute help on Thanksgiving Day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time by calling 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or online at FoodSafety.gov.
