Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips

Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

I would like to let all of my family, friends, business associates and clients know how much I appreciate you and how blessed I feel by the joy you bring to me! I am truly fortunate and grateful for all that you do!

I am so excited that I am staying home this Thanksgiving and entertaining over 20 guests in my home. I look forward to a wonderful time spent enjoying my family and friends.

Since so many of us will be cooking and serving food throughout the day for larger crowds than usual, I thought it might be helpful to gather information on what will help keep everyone happy and healthy this Thanksgiving.

According to the USDA, the below Top 10 food safety guidelines should be followed whenever handling and cooking food.

TOP TEN FOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES:

1. Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling any food.
2. Wash food-contact surfaces (cutting boards, dishes, utensils, countertops) with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.
3. Consider using one cutting board only for foods that will be cooked (such as raw meat, poultry, and seafood) and another one for those that will not (such as raw fruits and vegetables).
4. Do not put cooked meat or other food that is ready to eat on an unwashed plate that has held any raw eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, or their juices.
5. To check a turkey for safety, insert a food thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 165°F. If the turkey is stuffed, the temperature of the stuffing should be 165°F.
6. Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating.
7. Refrigerate leftovers —and any type of food that should be refrigerated, including pie—within two hours.
8. Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave—never at room temperature.
9. Cook food thawed in cold water or in the microwave immediately.
10. Leftovers should be used within three to four days, unless frozen.

May you and your family enjoy your Thanksgiving!

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