Thanksgiving: Simple Tips Can Keep Foodborne Illness at Bay
Thanksgiving is the only U.S. holiday that revolves entirely around food. We spend all day in the kitchen or dining room with loved ones, so it makes sense to pay special attention to food safety this time of year.
Why should you care? The CDC estimates that 128,000 people were hospitalized in 2011 due to foodborne illness, and that’s just in the United States. Furthermore, there are simple rules that anyone can follow to make their Thanksgiving meals safer. Nothing dims the holiday spirit as much as a bout of vomiting – or worse.
NC State food safety expert Ben Chapman recently shot a series of short videos on how to minimize the risk of foodborne illness when making Thanksgiving dinner. It only takes a few minutes to watch them, and it could keep your family out of the hospital.
Why food safety matters
How to thaw a turkey safely
How prepare a turkey and avoid cross-contamination
How to tell when your turkey is done (hint: use a thermometer)
How to handle leftovers safely
You can also print out a series of food safety infosheets to put next to the cookbook. Just in case.
