Thanksgiving tips: Should you wash your turkey before cooking it?

DALLAS — Share the love, share the thanks, share the pumpkin pie.

But one factor households don’t wish to share on Thanksgiving is sickness.

And with relations all gathered across the desk sharing the turkey and all of the scrumptious sides, the potential for foodborne illness is elevated.

The United States Department of Agriculture offers friendly reminders annually for the cooks within the kitchen on the best way to maintain their dinner secure and micro organism free.

Washing your arms and utensils are apparent measures however the USDA advises towards washing the turkey. Though the older members of your household might have scrubbed the turkey before kicking it in years passed by, the USDA says washing the turkey in a sink may cause micro organism from the uncooked hen to splash throughout your kitchen and counter tops inflicting cross-contamination.

Instead, utilizing a thermometer to make sure your turkey reaches a temperature of at the least 165 levels internally ensures it will likely be fit for human consumption.

Some different suggestions from the USDA web site:

• Thaw your turkey in a fridge, not on a countertop or in scorching water.
• Thaw for twenty-four hours for each 4-5 kilos of turkey.
• Do not use any plates or utensils which will have contacted the uncooked turkey or its juices.
• Stuffing a turkey is just not beneficial.
• All perishable meals ought to be refrigerated inside two hours of being cooked.
• Reheat all leftovers to an inner temperature of 165 levels.