As Thanksgiving approaches, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is urging home cooks across the nation to follow four key practices that keep meals safe and families healthy. The guidance, released ahead of the holiday, focuses on proper thawing, cooking temperatures, temperature control, and leftover storage.

1. Thaw Safely

Frozen turkeys should never be left to thaw on a kitchen counter. The USDA recommends two safe methods:

• Refrigerator thaw: Allow roughly 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. This gradual approach keeps the bird at a safe temperature throughout the process.
• Cold‑water thaw: Submerge the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Plan on about 30 minutes per pound.

Both methods keep the turkey out of the temperature range where harmful bacteria multiply.

2. Cook to the Proper Temperature

To destroy any lingering pathogens, the turkey’s internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast, as well as the innermost sections of the wing and thigh. If the bird is stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also hit 165°F. For added safety, the USDA suggests cooking stuffing in a separate dish.

3. Keep Food Out of the Danger Zone

Bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F, a range known as the food‑safety danger zone. Keep cold foods at or below 40°F and hot foods at or above 140°F. Serving dishes should be monitored, and hot foods should be kept warm on a low setting while cold platters stay chilled on ice.

4. Store Leftovers Promptly and Properly

Perishable dishes, including prepared sides and leftovers, should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Divide large portions into smaller containers to speed cooling. Once chilled, leftovers remain safe for up to four days, provided they are reheated to 165°F before serving.

Additional Resources

The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Call 1‑888‑674‑6854 or email [email protected] with any food‑safety questions. The agency also offers online calculators for turkey thawing and cooking times, as well as a comprehensive “Your Safe Thanksgiving Guide” on its website.

By following these straightforward steps, families can enjoy a delicious, worry‑free Thanksgiving feast while protecting loved ones from preventable foodborne illness.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.