Safety Tidbit 4.14 - Food (Turkey) Safety

Safety Tidbit 4.14 – Food (Turkey) Safety

Reference:       CDC Food Safety Blog

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. The CDC is warning of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to raw to raw turkey products. Furthermore, the CDC estimates that annually one in six Americans will get sick from food poisoning and more than 100,000 people are sent to the hospital. There are four simple steps to follow to keep yourself safe from food poisoning – Clean – Separate – Cook – Chill.

Clean – Wash your hands for 20 seconds with plain soap and running water. Wash surfaces and utensils after each use. Wash fruits and vegetables but not meat, poultry or eggs.

Separate – Don’t cross-contaminate. Use separate cutting boards and plates for produce and for meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs. Keep meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the grocery. Keep meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods in the fridge.

Cook – Use a food thermometer. The food “Danger Zone” is between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep food hot after cooking (at 140 degrees F or above). Use a warming tray or slow cooker to keep prepared food hot until serving. If using a microwave heat to 165 degrees F

Chill – Harmful bacteria can start to grow in food within two hours. It is imperative to chill the food below the “Danger Zone” as soon a possible. Refrigerate perishable food within two hours. Ensure the air can circulate in your fridge and the fridge is between 32 and 40 degrees. Lastly, never thaw your food on the countertop. Remember: once the food reaches the “Danger Zone” bacteria can start to grow.

Lastly, leftovers (the best part of Thanksgiving dinner!), according to the CDC, Clostridium perfringens are bacteria that grow in cooked foods left at room temperature. It is the most common bacterial cause of food poisoning. The major symptoms are vomiting and abdominal cramps within 6 to 24 hours of eating.

So, follow the CDC’s four steps for food safety, ensure your food is out of the Danger Zone and enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers!

Hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.