DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Thanksgiving is a time for sharing food, but unfortunately, it can also be a time of sharing foodborne illnesses.  To ensure safer food-filled family gatherings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a year-round Meat and Poultry Hotline, which remains open on Thanksgiving Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.  By dialing 1-800-MPHOTLINE, cooks and consumers can access accurate information regarding safe food storage, handling, preparation, content, and much more. 

According to the USDA, the following general safety advice applies to fresh or frozen turkeys:

"Fresh Turkeys

• Allow 1 pound of turkey per person.
• Buy your turkey only 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it.
• Keep it stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak.
• Do not buy fresh pre-stuffed turkeys. If not handled properly, any harmful bacteria that may be in the stuffing can multiply very quickly.

• Allow 1 pound of turkey per person.
• Keep frozen until you're ready to thaw it.
• Turkeys can be kept frozen in the freezer indefinitely; however, cook within 1 year for best quality.
• See 'Thawing Your Turkey' for thawing instructions."

Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

• Holiday tips for travelers
• Tips to reduce home scalding injuries
• Food safety tips for picnic grilling

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