Gathering with family and friends for holidays means food preparation and, oftentimes, traveling with food. Please use caution in preparing, serving and storing food.
To safely handle raw poultry, thoroughly wash your hands, utensils and work surfaces in order to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Once the turkey is in the oven, run hot water in the sink where you were working, adding a little bleach. Wash the sink itself, and anything that the raw poultry touched.
Any dishcloths or towels used should go straight to the laundry.
Pay close attention to the instructions for safely cooking your turkey, whether in an oven, roaster or fryer. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part to ensure it’s completely cooked.
If you’re not hosting but are bringing food to the meal, plan how to keep the food at a safe temperature. A cooler or insulated cover helps. Add ice packs or hand warmers available in sporting goods stores to help keep your food at the proper temperature.
Buffet-style is a common way to serve a crowd. Be sure to monitor how long food sits out, and refrigerate or dispose of anything that has sat for two hours at the “wrong” temperature.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Dallas County Public Health Department!
