Food Poisoning on Thanksgiving? No Thanks!

How to avoid getting food poisoning on Thanksgiving or from eating leftovers.

If you've ever had food poisoning, you know how completely awful and dangerous it is.  The USDA just released five tips for a food safe Thanksgiving:

1: Don’t Wash That Turkey.

Washing raw meat and poultry can cause bacteria to spread up to three feet away. Cooking (baking, broiling, boiling, frying or grilling) meat and poultry to the right temperature kills any bacteria that may be present, so washing meat and poultry is not necessary.

2: Use the refrigerator, the cold-water method or the microwave to defrost a frozen turkey.

Thawing food in the refrigerator is the safest method because the turkey will defrost at a consistent, safe temperature.

3: Use a meat thermometer.

Using the food thermometer is the best way to ensure your turkey is cooked, but not overdone.

Tip 4: Don’t store food outside, even if it’s cold.

Storing food outside is not food safe for two reasons. The first is that animals, both wild and domesticated, can get into food stored outside, consuming it or contaminating it. The second is temperature variation. 

5: Leftovers are good in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Bonus Video: Dough-Vember Call Times