For immediate release: November 26, 2024 Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 Thanksgiving Food Safety: Tips to Enjoy a Safe Holiday FeastLansing, MI – As Thanksgiving approaches, families across the country are busy planning their holiday meals. While preparing the perfect turkey and all the trimmings can be exciting, food safety is critical to ensure your celebration remains joyful and healthy. Follow these essential tips for a safe and stress-free Thanksgiving. “Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends to celebrate and give thanks for the blessings and bounty of the harvest,” said Tim Slawinski, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health. “As you celebrate, however, it’s important to take a few precautions to keep foodborne illness off your guest list.” Here are a few simple steps you can take to assure your holiday feast is safe: Planning Ahead Preparation: Store your food at the correct temperatures before preparation. Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are set to 40°F or below and 0°F, respectively. Make room for holiday meal items and leftovers by clearing outdated foods from your refrigerator. Make sure your refrigerator shelves and storage drawers are clean by washing and wiping them with hot, soapy water and letting them air dry. Thawing Your Turkey Safely The USDA outlines three safe methods for thawing your turkey:
Unsafe methods, such as thawing on the counter or in the garage, should be avoided under all circumstances. Cooking Tips
Leftovers Made Safe
By following these tips, you can focus on enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal without worrying about foodborne illnesses. For additional food safety tips, visit www.Michigan.gov/ |