Thanksgiving Tips to Keep Your Holiday Meal Safe and Healthy

By Andi Anderson

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious meals, but it is also important to make sure that the food on the table is safe to eat. Food safety experts emphasize that a healthy Thanksgiving celebration depends on careful preparation, thoughtful handling, and proper cooking techniques.

This year, families are encouraged to take small but important steps to protect themselves and say “No thanks” to food poisoning.

Anirudh Naig, a food safety extension state specialist and associate professor in apparel, events and hospitality management at Iowa State University, shared helpful tips to guide families through safe holiday cooking. He explains the importance of planning ahead, especially when thawing large turkeys for the Thanksgiving meal.

The Partnership for Food Safety Education provides clear guidance on how to thaw uncooked turkey safely. “It will typically take 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. A 20-pound turkey would take about four to five days to thaw completely,” Naig said. Allowing plenty of time for thawing ensures that the meat stays at a safe temperature and reduces the risk of harmful bacteria.

After the turkey has thawed, families should follow USDA-approved steps to prepare the meal safely. These guidelines outline the proper internal temperature for cooked turkey and provide instructions for Safe Cooking of Turkey and Safe Cooking of Stuffing.

For those trying new techniques, the USDA also offers guidance for Alternate Methods of Cooking Turkey, helping families prepare a safe meal using different styles and equipment.

Naig explains that food poisoning can be avoided easily when cooks stay mindful of basic safety practices. “These practices to Prevent Food Poisoning will ensure you have a safe and fun Thanksgiving where you can say thanks to your family and friends, but say ‘No thanks!’ to food poisoning,” Naig said.

Overall, these reminders encourage families to prepare thoughtfully, keep food at safe temperatures, and follow science-based guidelines. With a little preparation, Thanksgiving can be both joyful and safe, allowing everyone to focus on gratitude, good food, and time together.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon