November Safety Tips

Thanksgiving Tips - Cooking Safety this Holiday Season!

Turkey Fryers: Be alert to the dangers if you're thinking of celebrating the holidays by frying a turkey. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been hundreds of related fires, burns, or other injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage losses from these incidents.

NSC discourages the use of turkey fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments or consider using an oil-less turkey fryer. If you must fry your own turkey, follow all U.S. Fire Administration turkey fryer guidelines. Food Poisoning Is No Joke. Keep your holidays happy by handling food safely. The foodsafety.gov website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides some valuable holiday food safety tips:

● Wash your hands frequently when handling food

● Keep raw meat away from fresh produce

● Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination

● Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature

● Refrigerate hot or cold leftover food within two hours of being served

● When storing turkey, cut the leftovers into small pieces so they will chill quickly

● Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for three to four days when properly refrigerated