CDC warns against cleaning Thanksgiving turkey

2021-11-24 05:47:15 By : Ms. Rachel Bella

Thanksgiving is approaching, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued tips on the safest way to prepare turkey.

First of all, you should not wash or rinse your bird. This may seem counterintuitive, but cleaning the turkey can spread bacteria and germs throughout the kitchen.

"Since 2005, federal food safety recommendations have always recommended not to wash turkey or chicken, but some habits are difficult to change," the CDC cited a 2020 survey that found 78% of respondents They did rinse or clean their turkey.

"Old recipes and home cooking traditions may continue this practice, but it can make you and your family sick. Poultry juices can spread in the kitchen and contaminate other food, utensils and countertops."

Next, don't think about defrosting your frozen turkey on the counter. The CDC said that when a turkey is left at room temperature for more than two hours, its temperature becomes unsafe and may reach a "dangerous zone" between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Instead, put the turkey in a container in the refrigerator to thaw; put it in a leak-proof plastic bag in a sink with cold water (make sure to change the water every half an hour); or in the microwave, if you have a large enough fire Chick.

Other kitchen tips from CDC:

Keep it clean. After handling the turkey, wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey, and never put other food on the plate or cutting board that contains the raw turkey. Wash cutting boards and cutlery with hot soapy water.

Cook your filling thoroughly. Whether you are cooking in a turkey or a casserole, use a food thermometer to make sure the center of the filling reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are cooking in a turkey, take the turkey out of the oven and wait 20 minutes to remove the filling; this allows it to cook more.

Use a food thermometer on the turkey. The thawed birds should be placed in the baking tray in the oven, with the oven temperature set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Even if your turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator, use a food thermometer and make sure it stays at least 165 degrees on the thickest part of the chest, thighs, and wing joints. Let your turkey sit for 20 minutes before carving.

CDC. "Food Safety Tips for Turkish Holidays"

© 2005-2021 WebMD LLC. all rights reserved.

WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.