Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips from Hamilton County Health Department
As we all eagerly approach the big day, the aroma of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie fills the air. But hold on! Before you dive headfirst into your Thanksgiving preparations, the folks at the Hamilton County Health Department want to remind us of something quite important: food safety.
Let’s Talk about Foodborne Illness
Did you know that more than 40 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses each year? Sounds scary, right? And with Thanksgiving just two weeks away, our kitchens will be filled with raw meats, fresh vegetables, and lots of cooking chaos that could lead to a culinary mishap. That’s why Ryan Brown from the Hamilton County Health Department is here to help us navigate the tricky waters of preparing a holiday feast without the dangers of food contamination.
Why Food Safety Matters
“Thanksgiving is a time when people are cooking lots of food,” Ryan explains. “You could have large quantities of food geared to feed lots of people, and that is where a lot of things can go wrong.” With the stakes high and so many mouths to feed, it’s crucial to ensure we are taking the right precautions to avoid anyone feeling sick after a night of family fun and feasting.
Handwashing: The First Step to Safety
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your holiday cooking safe is through regular handwashing. “If people are handling any kind of raw meats, whether it’s a turkey or other things, they need to wash their hands before they touch anything else,” Ryan urges. Cross-contamination can quickly turn a delightful dinner into a disaster.
Keep It Separate
Brown emphasizes the importance of not mixing raw foods with ready-to-eat items. “You’re not touching raw turkey or other raw meats and then handling salads or fresh, ready-to-eat foods,” he cautions. This practice prevents the bacteria present in raw meats from spreading to the foods your guests will be eagerly digging into.
Cook Your Turkey Thoroughly
When it comes to cooking the star of the show – the turkey – make sure it’s cooked to a safe internal temperature. The USDA advises a temperature of 165°F (that’s about 74°C for those on the metric system) to make sure any harmful bacteria are eliminated. It might be tempting to rush through cooking to get to the eating part, but trust us, it’s worth the wait!
Chill Out After Dinner
After a belly-filling Thanksgiving feast, your leftovers deserve some TLC too! Make sure to refrigerate any leftover food within two hours after serving. “We want people to do everything as safe as possible so they can enjoy time with their family without worrying,” Ryan encourages. Properly stored leftovers can be a tasty treat in the days following the holiday.
Enjoy Your Time with Family
In the end, it’s all about making sure we enjoy the day with those we love best. “We want everyone to savor the food they’re eating and not have to worry about all the risk factors that could lead to food illness,” Ryan concludes. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, practice these helpful tips, and keep our gatherings joyful and healthy.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Stay safe in the kitchen, and enjoy every moment of this wonderful time with family and friends!
