Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But if you’re not careful, your holiday turkey can make you and your loved ones sick.
Here are six ways your turkey can make you sick and how to avoid them:
1. You Thawed Your Bird Incorrectly
Never thaw your turkey by leaving it on the counter at room temperature. This is the danger zone for bacteria, which can grow rapidly and make you sick. Instead, thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
- Refrigerator: This is the safest way to thaw a turkey, but it takes the longest. Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.
- Cold water: Place the turkey in a leak-proof bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
- Microwave: This is the fastest method, but it can be tricky. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
2. You Washed Your Turkey
This is a common mistake, but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do. Washing your turkey can spread bacteria around your kitchen, contaminating other surfaces and food. Instead, just pat the turkey dry with a paper towel.
3. It’s Undercooked
The only way to be sure your turkey is cooked safely is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and breast, and make sure the temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Your Stuffing Isn’t Cooked Thoroughly
If you’re stuffing your turkey, make sure the stuffing reaches 165°F as well You can cook the stuffing separately in a casserole dish to be safe.
5. You Left Your Cooked Turkey on the Table Too Long
After cooking, your turkey should be refrigerated within 2 hours. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for longer than that, or bacteria can start to grow.
6. You Improperly Stored Your Leftovers
Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking and eaten within 3-4 days. If you’re not going to eat them within that timeframe, freeze them for up to 4-6 months
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Thanksgiving turkey is safe and delicious.
Additional Resources
- CDC: Don’t Wash Your Raw Thanksgiving Turkey, You Could Make Your Family Sick
- AARP: 6 Ways Your Holiday Turkey Can Make You Sick
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you get sick from raw turkey?
Yes, raw turkey can contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
- How do I know if my turkey is cooked safely?
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the thigh and breast. The temperature should be 165°F.
- How long can I leave my cooked turkey out at room temperature?
No more than 2 hours.
- How long can I store my Thanksgiving leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and eat within 3-4 days. Freeze leftovers for up to 4-6 months.
Following these tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy your turkey!
Thaw Turkey Safely
Use one of these methods to thaw your turkey.
- Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator. Before putting your turkey in the refrigerator, keep it wrapped in its original container. The receptacle will stop the juice from the turkey from spilling onto other dishes. For every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey, allow it to thaw for about 24 hours. Before cooking, a thawed turkey can be kept in the fridge for one to two days.
- Thaw your turkey in cold water. Before putting your turkey in the sink, make sure it’s sealed in a leak-proof plastic bag. The bag will stop the juice from the turkey from getting into the kitchen. Additionally, it will stop the turkey from absorbing moisture, which could result in a runny cooked turkey. Make sure the cold tap water completely covers your turkey. Change the water every 30 minutes. For every pound of turkey, allow it to thaw for approximately thirty minutes. When thawing a turkey in cold water, it needs to be cooked right away.
- Thaw your turkey in the microwave. Follow the microwave manufacturer’s instructions for thawing turkeys. When thawing a turkey in the microwave, it needs to be cooked right away.
Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter. A turkey must thaw at a safe temperature. Even though the turkey’s center is still frozen, leaving it out at room temperature for longer than two hours makes it unsafe. Germs can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
Here’s more turkey cooking safety tips from the CDC:
- You should keep frozen raw turkey in the freezer until you’re ready to thaw it. Make sure your freezer is at 0˚F or below. A turkey shouldn’t be kept in an area where its temperature can’t be closely monitored, like a basement, car trunk, back porch, or snow.
- Before cooking, fresh raw turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for one to two days.