With Thanksgiving just a few days away, the Branch-Hillsdale-Saint Joseph Community Health Agency is reminding listeners about food safety to prevent illness during the holiday season.
Turkey meat may harbor Salmonella, which can be destroyed only through proper preparation and cooking.
The agency offers several tips: they say not to wash the turkey before cooking.
Instead, use a safe thawing method such as the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave, and always check cooking temperatures with a meat thermometer.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator promptly and discard any remaining food after four days.
Additionally, for those planning to deep fry their turkey, extreme caution is advised. Turkey fryers should be set up outdoors on a level surface, away from flammable materials, with children and pets kept at a distance.
Ensure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying, and keep a Class B fire extinguisher nearby.
For more food safety and health tips, visit bhsj.org