Oklahoma City Indian Clinic promotes tips to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, wants you to remember food safety tips during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday.
Preparing for a Thanksgiving meal can be hectic, but remembering a few food safety tips can help your family safely enjoy the holiday.
“Remember to keep your hands, surfaces and utensils clean,” said Katie Brown, OKCIC Registered Dietitian. “Salmonella can live on countertops for several hours, so this step is especially important after handling raw poultry.”
Observational studies from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that consumers were not properly washing their hands. To wash your hands, wet them and lather with soap. Be sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds, and don’t forget the backs of your hands and between your fingers. Rinse your hands, and use a clean towel to dry them.
Washing or rinsing your raw meat might seem safe, but the USDA found that 1 in 4 people who wash or rinse their raw meat cross-contaminate other food items with bacteria.
“The only way to kill bacteria in meat is by heating it to a safe internal temperature,” said Brown. “Check your turkey by using an internal thermometer to make sure it has reached 165 degrees in the thickest part of the breast, innermost part of the thigh and the innermost part of the wing.”
Everyone loves Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s important to practice proper food handling so food stays safe and delicious. Leftovers should be properly stored in the refrigerator within two hours. Portion large dishes into smaller containers so the bacteria doesn’t have a chance to multiply.
Leftovers become unsafe in the fridge after four days, which means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to finish your leftovers. If you want to keep them longer, leftovers can be frozen for 2-6 months. When reheating, be sure the food is heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. If you’re heating a sauce or gravy, bring it to a roiling boil.
Preparing for the holidays can be intimidating, but practicing proper food safety can help you create a safe and tasty meal for Thanksgiving.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 21,000 patients from over 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.