Wellness Wednesday — Turkey talk with the Poison Center and Captain Kirk

Food is a central focus at many holiday gatherings. It is no surprise during this busy time that many cooks take short-cuts. Therefore, the Nebraska Regional Poison Center sees an increase in food-borne illnesses during the holidays.

The major source of food poisonings is from improper handling, preparation, cooking and storage.











Planning to fry a turkey for Thanksgiving? Check out this fried turkey safety video featuring William Shatner.
Here are some tips to make your holidays safe:
  • DO keep turkey in its original wrapping, refrigerated until ready to cook.
  • DO make sure the sell-by-date has not expired.
  • DO defrost a frozen turkey by refrigeration or a cold water bath.
  • DO allow one day for every 5 pounds to defrost in the refrigerator. In a cold water bath, change the water every 30 minutes. A 20 pound turkey will take 12 hours to defrost in cold water.
  • DO use a meat thermometer to check if turkey is done. The turkey should cook until the internal temperature reaches 180-185 degrees.
  • DO pierce the turkey in the thickest area of the thigh, making sure the juices run clear and are not pink.
  • DO remove the stuffing immediately after the turkey is cooked.
  • DO store the turkey and stuffing separately.
  • DO store leftover turkey in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 days.
  • DO store leftover stuffing and gravy in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days.
  • DON’T defrost a turkey at room temperature. Bacteria can multiply on outer layers before inner layers have defrosted.
  • DON’T leave an uncooked thawed turkey out of the refrigerator longer than two hours.
  • DON’T partially cook the turkey one day and continue roasting the next day.
  • DON’T stuff the bird the night before cooking.
  • DON’T leave leftovers out on the counter longer than three hours.
  • DON’T store leftover stuffing in the turkey.
  • DON’T re-freeze a thawed uncooked turkey.

For more information, contact the Nebraska Regional Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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