Thanksgiving Turkey Safety Tips

Thanksgiving Day is a special time of year when family and friends gather to express gratitude. 

Many anticipate the delicious foods traditionally served, especially the turkey. Improperly prepared and

cooked turkey can be contaminated with salmonella bacteria and can cause food poisoning.

Common symptoms of food poisoning include fever, headache, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea.

Follow these tips to keep your Thanksgiving turkey safe from bacteria. 

 Choosing a Turkey

• Ensure that the packaging is intact and is free of rips and tears.

• Purchase one pound of turkey per person to be served.
• Some turkeys come with pop-timers, net bags for easy carrying, and self basting solution injected in the bird for added flavor.
• If hosting a small gathering select alternative turkey cuts such as turkey breast, tenderloins, cutlets, drumsticks or thighs.

Turkey Preparation

DO

• Defrost a frozen turkey by refrigeration or a cold water bath.
• Allow one day of thawing for every 5 lbs of turkey.  If using a cold water bath, change the water every 30 minutes.       
• Keep utensils, dishes, kitchen equipment and work surfaces clean.
• Wash your hands before and after handling a turkey.

DON’T

• Defrost a turkey on the counter at room temperature.

• Refreeze a thawed turkey.

• Use cutting boards and knives that have touched raw meat or other foods without washing them first.

Cooking the Turkey

DO

• Separate the giblets and the neck from the turkey.
• Rinse the turkey and pat dry.
• Use a meat thermometer to see if the turkey is done (180ºF).
• Cook turkey entirely in one session.

DON’T

• Cook stuffing inside the turkey.

• Partially cook the turkey one day and continue the next.

Rules for  Leftover Turkey

• Refrigerate leftovers when finished within two hours of serving the meal.
• Refrigerate turkey at 35-40ºF for 3-4 days.
• Freeze turkey at 0º or below for 3-4months.
• Remove the leftover turkey meat from the bone.
• When reheating, make sure that the turkey reaches 160ºF.

Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Day!