Humboldt County, California is a place where many are getting ready for Thanksgiving. With the various tasks of cooking, cleaning, and hosting, it's a challenging time. Health experts from the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Division of Environmental Health (DEH) are emphasizing the importance of safe food handling to ensure holiday meals are safe to consume.

Ensure a Safe Thanksgiving with Proper Food Handling

Washing Turkey - A Risky Move

Many people around the world are focused on Thanksgiving preparations. In Humboldt County, it's no different. However, health experts caution against washing the turkey. As Humboldt County Environmental Health Consumer Protection Supervisor Benjamin Dolf explains, "If you wash your turkey, you're actually increasing the risk of splashing through that water onto adjacent surfaces. This can lead to cross-contamination of other foods, utensils, and various items, spreading germs from one place to another." It's a crucial point to remember during the holiday season.

Cooking Temperatures Matter

When it comes to cooking multiple foods during Thanksgiving, ensuring the right temperatures is essential. Dolf encourages people to be certain about the food temperatures. For instance, if you stuff your turkey, it's not enough to rely solely on the pop-up temperature in the turkey breast. You also need to measure the cooking temperature of the stuffing inside the turkey. The stuffing should be heated to at least 165 degrees and not be eaten past 4 days. This attention to detail can make a significant difference in the safety of the holiday meals.

Storing and Handling Leftovers

After a delicious Thanksgiving feast, leftovers need to be handled properly. It's important to store them in airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and ensures the safety of the leftovers. When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach the appropriate temperature of 165 degrees. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers without any health concerns.