11/19/2021
Avoid food poisoning this Thanksgiving
Lorain County Public Health is reminding those who prepare Thanksgiving dinners to keep their guests safe by following food safety guidelines.
The agency’s top advice: Be sure to thaw turkey and other meats in the refrigerator, and use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey is fully cooked.
“Raw meats are more likely to carry germs that make people sick, so handling meat properly is one of the best ways to prevent food poisoning,” said county Health Commissioner David Covell. “We recommend that holiday cooks thaw the turkey in the fridge, and that they use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.”
A thawing turkey must defrost at a safe temperature. When the turkey is left out for more than two hours, its temperature becomes unsafe.
Bacteria can grow quickly in the “danger zone” between 40 and 135 degrees. Check the label for guidance — depending on the size of the turkey, it can take several days to thaw.
Fully and safely cooked, a meat thermometer will show the turkey has an internal temperature of 165 degrees at the thickest part of the thigh. The pop-up thermometer may not check the coldest part of the meat.
Follow these other food safety tips to keep your family safe and healthy:
● Separate raw meat and ready-to-eat foods, and use separate cutting boards for them.
● Wash cooking equipment with hot, soapy water after working with raw meat.
● Wash hands often, for 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after touching raw meat.
● Keep hot foods at 135 degrees or warmer. Use slow cookers, chafing dishes and warming trays to keep food hot on the holiday table.
● Keep cold foods at 40 degrees or lower. Place serving dishes in bowls of ice so they stay chilled.
● Throw away perishable foods that have been out at room temperature for two hours or more.
When it comes to COVID-19 holiday safety, COVID-19 vaccines are still the best way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19, the health department says.
Call (440) 284-3206 for an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine of any type or dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommend wearing a mask:
● In an indoor public place if unvaccinated or in an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
● In crowded outdoor settings if in contact with unvaccinated people or in an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.
● If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, whether you’re vaccinated or not, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
