<div class="" data-article-body="true"><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">The holiday season is ramping up, and Thanksgiving will be upon us in just over a week. For a host who plans on serving turkey, experts say food safety must be at the top of the to-do list.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Foodborne illness from eating contaminated food causes approximately 48 million people to get sick and 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S., according to the <a class="link " href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/foodborne-illness-and-disease" data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:U.S. Department of Agriculture.;cpos:1;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a> While everyone is at risk of getting a foodborne illness, some people are at a greater risk of getting seriously ill or even dying. Those include infants, young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Below are some steps to follow for safely thawing, preparing and cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, according to the USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">How to safely thaw a turkey</h2><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">“Frozen raw turkey should be stored in the freezer until you are ready to thaw it,” according to the <a class="link " href="https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/holiday-turkey.html" data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CDC’s website;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">CDC’s website</a>. “Make sure your freezer is at 0°F or below. Don’t store a turkey in a place where you can’t closely monitor the temperature, such as in a car trunk, a basement, the back porch, or in snow.”</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">A turkey should thaw at a safe temperature, which is why you shouldn’t leave it out on the counter to defrost. When a turkey is left at room temperature for more than two hours, it becomes unsafe to eat, even if the center remains frozen. This is because bacteria and germs that can cause illness can rapidly grow in what the <a class="link " href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/danger-zone-40f-140f" data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:USDA calls the “danger zone,;cpos:3;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">USDA calls the “danger zone,</a>” when the food is between 40°F and 140°F.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">You can use one of the following three methods to safely thaw your Thanksgiving turkey, according to the <a class="link " href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/your-safe-thanksgiving-guide" data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:USDA;cpos:4;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">USDA</a> and <a class="link " href="https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/holiday-turkey.html" data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:CDC;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">CDC</a>.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><strong>Refrigerator</strong></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><strong>🕐 </strong>This method allows for slow, safe thawing but requires some planning and lead time.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">🧊 Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and place it in a container or dish to prevent juices that may leak during the thawing process from dripping onto other foods. Then put the container with the turkey in the refrigerator. Timing-wise, you’ll need about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. Once the turkey is thawed, it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for one to two days before cooking. (The USDA offers a handy <a class="link " href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/your-safe-thanksgiving-guide" data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:thawing calculator;cpos:6;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">thawing calculator</a> for those who are unsure.)</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><strong>Submerge in cold water</strong></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><strong>🕐 </strong>This method thaws a turkey faster, but it requires more attention, and the turkey will need to go in the oven immediately after.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">🧊 Keep the turkey in its original plastic before submerging it in cold water to avoid cross-contamination. Place the turkey in the sink and cover it completely with cold tap water. The water needs to be changed every 30 minutes. You’ll need about 30 minutes of thaw time for each pound of turkey. The turkey must be cooked immediately after thawing, according to the <a class="link " href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/your-safe-thanksgiving-guide" data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:USDA;cpos:7;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">USDA</a>.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><strong>Microwave</strong></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><strong>🕐 </strong>Timing depends on the size of the turkey as well as the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll need to cook the turkey immediately after it thaws in the microwave.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">🧊 Typically a whole turkey won’t fit in a microwave oven. But if you’re looking to thaw a smaller turkey or turkey breast in a microwave, use the defrost setting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.</p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">How to safely prep a turkey for cooking</h2><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Before and after you handle any raw turkey (or raw meat and poultry), wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.</p><ul class="mb-4"><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Separate the raw turkey from any prepared foods that won’t be cooked later, like vegetables, fruits or side dishes, to help prevent the spread of germs that could make you sick.</p></div></li><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">The USDA indicates that it’s safest not to wash or rinse your raw turkey before cooking because that risks spreading bacteria to other foods you might be preparing. “To avoid this risk, it is safest to not wash raw turkey,” the <a class="link " href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/your-safe-thanksgiving-guide" data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:USDA says on its website;cpos:8;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">USDA says on its website</a>. “However, if you do choose to wash or rinse your raw turkey, make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize the sink and surrounding areas before continuing to prep.”</p></div></li><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">After preparing the turkey for cooking, be sure to wash any cutting boards, utensils and countertops with soap and hot water first. The USDA recommends sanitizing these items and surfaces using a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water.</p></div></li></ul><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">How to safely cook a turkey (and stuffing)</h2><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Tradition reigns supreme when it comes to how Americans prefer to cook their Thanksgiving turkey. Sixty-five percent of Americans roast their turkey in the oven, while others prefer alternative methods, such as smoking (10%), frying (7%), grilling (7%) or air frying (7%), according to the <a class="link " href="https://www.eatturkey.org/2025/11/04/94-of-americans-plan-to-celebrate-thanksgiving-and-turkey-remains-the-star-of-the-table/" data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:National Turkey Federation;cpos:9;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">National Turkey Federation</a>.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Regardless of which method you prefer, the internal temperature of cooked turkey must be at a minimum of 165°F. The USDA recommends using a food thermometer in three areas to assess the temperature of a whole turkey: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the wing and the innermost part of the thigh. Ensure the thermometer doesn’t touch any bones, as this will result in an inaccurate temperature reading.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Some might be surprised to learn that the USDA doesn’t recommend stuffing the inside of a whole turkey because it increases the risk of cross-contamination, plus it takes longer to cook. “For optimal safety and uniform doneness, cook stuffing separately,” the <a class="link " href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/your-safe-thanksgiving-guide" data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:USDA advises;cpos:10;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">USDA advises</a>. “If you do choose to stuff your bird, do not stuff a turkey the night before cooking it. Harmful bacteria can multiply in the stuffing and cause foodborne illness when a stuffed bird is refrigerated.” If you opt to cook the stuffing inside the turkey, it also must reach a minimum temperature of 165°F.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">The USDA also offers this convenient <a class="link " href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/your-safe-thanksgiving-guide" data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:cooking calculator;cpos:11;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas">cooking calculator</a>.</p></div>

As the holiday season approaches, here are some Thanksgiving tips on how to safely thaw, prepare, and cook the turkey this year.

Your guide to how to safely thaw and cook your Thanksgiving turkey this year, according to experts

Israel's Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir has declared that the troops' pullback line in Gaza is the new border between Israel and the Palestinian territory. During a visit to forces in northern Gaza on Sunday, he said the so-called "yellow line" was the new border, a forward defensive line for Israeli border communities and also an attack line.

Israeli Chief of Staff declares new border with Gaza Strip

Located south of Bend’s outdoor playland, I visited this Pacific Northwest gem for an enchanted winter evening of astronomical wonders

I visited the largest collection of public telescopes in the US in Oregon's high desert, and the dark skies blew me away

Vehicle leases offer an appealing method for driving another vehicle without the responsibility of proprietorship. In any case, figuring out the complexities


Instructions to Explore the Universe of Vehicle Leases


Bowen Yang, who has been on "Saturday Night Live" since 2019, is leaving the show.

Bowen Yang is reportedly leaving 'Saturday Night Live' after this week's episode

Holes, otherwise called dental caries, are one of the most well-known dental issues around the world. Recognizing them at an early


Figure out How to Recognize Early Indications of Depressions


School is an essential section in one's life. It's a period of investigation, learning, and self-improvement. Past the scholar


Exploring School Life: Self-awareness and Illustrations


Grande and Cher were listed as host and performer for the Christmas-themed special, which is also the final episode of the year.

Ariana Grande to host 'Saturday Night Live' Christmas show with Cher as musical guest, returning after nearly 40 years

The execution of 5G innovation denotes another time in remote abilities, yet it additionally carries with it concerns and


Instructions to Distinguish the Wellbeing Dangers Related with 5G Pinnacles


Arctic front will bring some light snow Monday.

First Alert: Light snow through this evening

Two men say they experienced the kind of abuse highlighted in recent reports on Israel's treatment of prisoners, which Israel denies.

Palestinians tell BBC they were sexually abused in Israeli prisons

Pasta is a darling dish that can be both tasty and nutritious when ready with sound fixings. From entire grain


Vote in favor of the pasta that makes good dieting pleasant!


A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told Yahoo on Monday that the agency received an official copy of the report from the Largo Police Department on Nov. 14.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces new sexual assault allegations, currently under investigation by Los Angeles Sheriff's Department

As per a new study led by Duff and Phelps, New York has outperformed London as the world's pre-famous monetary


Brexit's Effect on New York's Ascent as a Main Monetary Center


Longtime Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has dampened hopes for elections that are years overdue. Presidential and parliamentary polls should be held within a year after the end of the Gaza war, Abbas said on Friday in Rome, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.