Photo by Gabriel Garcia Marengo
As the holiday season kicks off, food safety experts are emphasizing the importance of careful meal preparation to prevent foodborne illnesses. Outbreaks of food poisoning typically increase during November and December, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tainted turkey, undercooked stuffing, and contaminated gravy from holiday buffets have historically led to severe health risks, including illness and fatalities.
Donald Schaffner, a food science expert at Rutgers University, highlighted the challenges faced by those preparing large holiday meals. “Cooking takes longer with big masses of food. Cooling takes longer with big masses of food,” he stated. Schaffner co-hosts the food-safety podcast “Risky or Not?” and shared vital tips for ensuring both festive and safe meals this season.
Nearly 90% of hosts plan to serve turkey this Thanksgiving, according to Butterball, a major turkey producer. However, raw turkey can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter. Schaffner advised that safe handling is critical to avoid cross-contamination in kitchens. He noted that a frozen turkey should be thawed using one of several methods: in the refrigerator, in the microwave, or under cold running water. “All of these methods pose risks,” Schaffner cautioned. Proper thawing requires about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of weight in a refrigerator.
In addition to turkey preparation, managing other dishes is equally important. Schaffner emphasized avoiding the “danger zone” for food temperatures—between 40°F and 140°F—where bacteria thrive. “The recommendation is that you get those leftovers into the refrigerator within two hours of when they came off of the stove,” he said.
To enhance safety in the kitchen, thorough cleaning is essential. Experts recommend washing hands before cooking and after handling raw poultry, as well as using separate cutting boards for different types of food.
For more detailed guidance on safe turkey handling and other holiday meal preparations, resources are available through the USDA’s thawing and cooking calculators.
This advisory comes as families prepare for gatherings during a time traditionally associated with increased food-related illnesses. As Schaffner notes, proper planning and knowledge can help ensure a safe holiday feast for everyone involved.
For further information on food safety tips during the holidays, please refer to the original article on AP News here.
Sources:
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/are-you-in-charge-of-a-holiday-feast-follow-these-tips-for-food-safety-101732553616124.html
[2] https://www.usnews.com/topics/subjects/food_safety
[3] https://apnews.com/3584c4cf4d6a7c8bf9d5d6b55e3af66b
[4] https://apnews.com/hub/food-safety
[5] https://apnews.com/article/business-health-food-safety-fef58dbd9cd340cdbb33a3658d75a2c1
[6] https://apnews.com/article/science-travel-health-covid-holidays-d15371d6d63ccddb9fefd607dff277bd
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