While folks prepare to chow down on some of their favorite Thanksgiving delicacies — whether it be turkey, dressing, deep-fried anything, a beloved casserole that only “MeeMaw” can properly prepare, or your aunt’s famous pecan pie — the Mississippi State Department of Health is encouraging folks to follow proper food safety guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy holiday season.
When grocery shopping, health officials encourage the public to gather non-perishables before the turkey to avoid premature thawing. It is a bonus to grab a turkey in packaging that is unripped and tightly wrapped, and make sure to check the expiration date. The turkey should be allowed to thaw under refrigeration, not at room temperature.
Folks are also advised to wash their hands, utensils, and surfaces with soapy water before cooking. Recommended health practices also include rinsing off produce so dirt and germs on the surface do not get inside.
Before cooking, meats are to be separated from other foods, and prepared on a separate cutting board — unless one wants to clean the board before adding another food item to the scene. Cooking at the correct temperature helps kill harmful germs. Folks are encouraged to use a food thermometer to check meat and microwaved dishes. Turkey is to be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F, while fish and whole cuts of beef or pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, officials advise. If preparing food in advance, home chefs are urged to divide cooked food into shallow containers and store it in a refrigerator or freezer until the festivities begin. Hot foods should remain at 140°F or warmer by using slow cookers or warming trays, while cold foods should stay at 40°F or colder by using small service trays or nest serving dishes in bowls of ice.
Two hours is the safe limit for unrefrigerated food, per officials. Don’t wait more than two hours after preparing food to refrigerate it. Don’t leave food out for serving more than two hours. Leftovers that are properly refrigerated can usually be kept for several days. For longer storage, it is encouraged to freeze the items.
“Enjoy your time with family and friends, but most importantly, stay healthy and safe, Mississippi,” a statement from the health department reads.
