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Thanksgiving Food Safety: Experts Urge Thermometers, Two-Hour Rule, No Washing Poultry

The latest guidance emphasizes precise time and temperature controls to keep holiday spreads out of the bacterial danger zone.

Overview

  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm turkey and any stuffing reach 165 F, checking the breast, thigh, and stuffing as advised by San Antonio's Metro Health.
  • Keep hot foods above 140 F or cold foods below 40 F during service, then apply the two-hour rule or one hour if temperatures exceed 90 F before refrigerating.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within two to three hours and eat them within three to four days for safety.
  • Do not wash raw poultry and avoid prestuffing; if stuffing a bird, do it immediately before roasting and ensure the stuffing reaches 165 F, per USDA guidance.
  • Keep anyone with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea from preparing food because norovirus spreads easily in kitchens.