What's happened
As Thanksgiving approaches, food safety experts warn of increased food poisoning risks. Common hazards include improperly handled turkey and undercooked dishes. Experts provide essential tips to ensure safe meal preparation during the holiday season.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, outbreaks of food poisoning tend to rise during the holiday season, with experts like Donald Schaffner emphasizing the importance of safe food handling. Schaffner warns that cooking large meals can complicate safety, stating, "Cooking takes longer with big masses of food. Cooling takes longer with big masses of food." The CDC has documented cases of illness linked to improperly prepared turkey and stuffing.
AP News echoes these concerns, noting that nearly 90% of U.S. hosts plan to serve turkey this Thanksgiving. They highlight the necessity of thawing turkey safely and avoiding washing it to prevent cross-contamination. Schaffner advises using a tip-sensitive digital thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked properly, stating, "Don’t rely on the plastic pop-up thermometers stuck in some commercial turkeys." This consensus among sources underscores the critical need for food safety awareness during the holiday season.
How we got here
November and December see a rise in food poisoning cases, particularly during Thanksgiving. The CDC highlights risks associated with holiday meals, prompting experts to share safety guidelines for home cooks.
Common question
-
What are the best Thanksgiving cooking safety tips?
As Thanksgiving approaches, ensuring food safety is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. With many families preparing large meals, understanding the best practices for cooking and handling food can make a significant difference. Below are essential questions and answers to help you navigate Thanksgiving cooking safely.
More on these topics
-
Captain Benjamin Chapman (born 1621) was the patriarch of the Chapman baronets of Killua Castle.
Chapman was a Cornet in the regiment of cavalry raised by Murrough O'Brien, 1st Earl of Inchiquin. He was later promoted to captain, and served in the Cromwel
-
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
-
The United States Department of Agriculture, also known as the Agriculture Department, is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food.
-
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia, and the sub-national entities Leiden, Norfolk Island, and Puerto Rico.