Prioritizing Food Safety: Essential Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season

Washington, D.C. – Thanksgiving and plenty of other holidays are right around the corner, which means more time spent with family, friends, and delicious meals. To keep the stress low, many people will turn to restaurants for the meal or to a home cooked turkey with restaurant sides or dessert. For the home cooks doing some of the work on their own, a memorable meal starts with more than just great recipes – it starts with smart food safety. The National Restaurant Association, in partnership with ServSafe^®, is here to help with four essential food safety tips so people can worry less about germs and more about who gets the last slice of pie.

Here are four critical food safety tips for a successful Thanksgiving:

1. Master the Art of Handwashing: Always wash your hands and forearms thoroughly with running water. Use enough soap to create a lather and scrub vigorously for at least 20 seconds, including your fingertips, under your nails, and between your fingers. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a single-use paper towel or hand dryer. It’s especially important to wash your hands after touching uncooked meats to prevent cross contamination and the spread of harmful bacteria.
2. Beware of Sink Contaminants: The sink is one of the most overlooked areas in the kitchen. It’s essential to clean all surfaces of the sink, including corners and fixtures, regularly with soap or a cleaning solution. Remember, even after washing your hands, touching a contaminated sink can reintroduce harmful bacteria.
3. Properly Manage Leftovers: A little labeling goes a long way! The National Turkey Federation advises using labeled containers for all leftovers. Patrick Guzzle, Vice President of Food Science at the National Restaurant Association, emphasizes, “If you refrigerate items before freezing, keep a close eye on how long they’ve been in the fridge. Remember, the maximum seven-day storage rule is cumulative. For example, if your leftovers have been in the fridge for four days, you only have three days left after you thaw them. Be clear with your labeling system to understand how long food items were refrigerated before going into the freezer.”
4. Thaw Your Turkey Safely: To safely thaw turkey, use methods such as placing it in the fridge or using a microwave. Never thaw food on the kitchen counter, as this can allow harmful bacteria to grow.

By following these tips, families can focus on what truly matters this Thanksgiving and holiday season —spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying every bite, and knowing you've done it safely. The National Restaurant Association is dedicated to promoting safe food handling practices, ensuring that your Thanksgiving celebration is not only delicious but also safe.