Turkey Day Temperature Tips

Tis' the season of Thanksgiving which means parties, family, and Food Food Food. With delicious treats tempting you in every direction, food safety probably won't cross your mind. However the last thing you want is to spend this holiday with your family and friends in the Emergency Room due to food poisoning. So take a few moments to review these important temperature tips and avoid all the moaning, groaning, and general unpleasantness lurking in that lukewarm bowl of potato salad.

Rule Number One: If you don't have a kitchen thermometer, get one! And be sure you check out the instructions to make sure you know how to calibrate and use it correctly. And always stick your thermometer in at the thickest part of the food or the thickest part of the meat away from the bone.

Turkey Thawing: If you think simply placing your turkey in the kitchen sink overnight is a good way to thaw, get ready to say Hello a bacterial bonanza. Thawing your turkey in the fridge is the best method with each 3-4 lbs requiring 24 hours of thawing. However, if you're running short on time either use your Microwave to defrost or thaw in the sink with cold water **Be sure to change the water at least every 30 minutes!!** The cold water method will take approximately 30 min per pound of turkey (1).

Buffet Rules: If you are serving a cold food, try placing the container over another container with ice. Hot foods can be kept hot longer by placing them over a pan of hot water. However, regardless of your serving method, if a food has been out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, toss it! Likewise, if a food has been handled by a lot of people, play it safe and throw it out (2).

Left-Overs: If you're re-heating left overs but sure they get hot enough. Re-heated foods should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 sec within 2 hours (2).

Quick Reference:

Taking temperatures while you cook is one of the best ways to protect you, your family and friends from the dangers of uninvited guests (bacteria and food poisoning).

From your friends at UNSA, have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!



References:
1- American Dietetic Association. Safe Turkey Thawing Tips. http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=4294967586&terms=turkey+thawing
2- USDA Department of Food Safety and Inspection Guidelines 2011

Photo Credit: Rachel Spauldilng via www.sxc.hu