Turkey Safety

Turkey Safety

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett
Thanksgiving is a big meal and a big deal for the cook in the house. Every year hundreds of first time Thanksgiving day hosts cook the traditional turkey main dish for the first time.

The Department of Agriculture has some turkey thawing safety tips for first timers and seasoned cooks.

There are a variety of ways to thaw a frozen bird but the safest according to U of Georgia Extension Specialist Judy Harrison is to keep it cold.

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24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of turkey.

You can thaw the turkey in cold water - 30 minutes per pound but there's a little more work involved.

"Harrison tells the Ag Department never thaw your turkey on the counter.

If you've had raw meat in one place, like a cutting board, don't put anything cooked or anything that will be served raw (like vegetables) on it until you wash it well with soap and hot water. That includes your hands, your knife and your mixing spoons.

Colorado State University Extension has more information on Thanksgiving safety at livesmartcolorado.colostate.edu.

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