How to Prevent Foodborne Illness During the Holidays

Jackson, Miss. — With Thanksgiving almost here and Christmas right around the corner, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) encourages everyone to follow proper food safety guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy holiday season.

When grocery shopping, gather non-perishables before the turkey to avoid premature thawing.

• Choose a turkey in packaging that is unripped and tightly wrapped and check the expiration date.
• The turkey should be allowed to thaw under refrigeration, not at room temperature.

Clean hands, tools and surfaces before you start cooking.

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing, eating or handling food.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.
• Wash or scrub produce so dirt and germs on the surface do not get inside when you cut.
• Separate meats from other foods. Use a separate cutting board and tools or wash them thoroughly before moving on to prepare other foods.

Cooking to the right temperature helps kill harmful germs.

• Use a food thermometer to check meat and microwaved dishes.
• Cook turkey to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
• Cook fish and whole cuts of beef or pork to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

• Small containers cool faster. If preparing food in advance, divide cooked food into shallow containers and store in a refrigerator or freezer until the meal begins.
• Keep hot foods at 140°F or warmer. Use slow cookers or warming trays to keep food hot.
• Keep cold foods at 40°F or colder. Use small service trays or nest serving dishes in bowls of ice.

Two hours is the safe limit for unrefrigerated food.

• Don't wait more than two hours after preparing food to refrigerate it.
• Don't leave food out for serving more than two hours (one hour if it's a hot day). Leftovers that are properly refrigerated can usually keep for several days. Freeze them for longer storage.

Enjoy your time with family and friends, but most importantly, stay healthy and safe, Mississippi.

For more food safety tips, visit msdh.ms.gov/foodsafety