IDPH: Time to thaw that turkey!
Eat, drink, and stay healthy for the holidays
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[November 19, 2016]
First
things first, TAKE THE TURKEY OUT! It may already be time to take
the turkey out of the freezer so that it will be thawed in time for
Thanksgiving. Allow approximately 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds of
turkey when thawed in the refrigerator. A 20 to 24 pound turkey
could take 5 to 6 days to thaw. Never thaw a turkey at room
temperature.
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“Every year, 1 in 6 Americans gets sick by consuming contaminated
foods or beverages, or what is commonly referred to as food
poisoning,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav
D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “By adhering to what we call ‘the big four –
clean, separate, cook, and chill,’ you can avoid becoming ill and
ruining your holidays.”
Clean - wash hands, cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and
countertops before and after preparing each food item.
Separate - keep raw eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, and their
juices away from foods that won’t be cooked.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Nov/19/images/ads/current/charrons_bch041713.png)
Cook - use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and
fish are fully cooked. Color is not a reliable indicator of
doneness. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Chill - divide leftovers into shallow containers and
refrigerate them within two hours. Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/May/02/images/ads/current/guzzardo_lda022609.png) Whether gathering with family for holiday meals, or spending time
with friends and colleagues at office parties and other
celebrations, be cautious when eating certain foods. Foods such as
raw oysters, soft-boiled eggs, steak tartare, rare or medium beef,
and eggnog, mousse or bread pudding (unless made with pasteurized
eggs or an egg substitute), can harbor bacteria that cause foodborne
illness. Apple cider that has not been pasteurized or otherwise
treated to kill bacteria can also make you sick.
A good rule of thumb is, make sure hot foods are hot (above 140°F) and cold
foods are cold (below 40°F). Don’t eat food that has been sitting out for more
than two hours if the food is not being kept hot or cold.
More information on
Food
Safety During The Holidays can be found on the IDPH website.
[Illinois Department of Public
Health] |