Sign In
Skip to Main Content
  • Sacramento County
  • Live/Visit |
  • Business |
  • Government |
  • Language
  • Search

SACCOUNTY NEWS

  • Twitter - Sacramento County
  • Facebook - Sacramento County
  • Instagram - Sacramento County
  • More News
      • 2021 Stories
      • 2020 Stories
      • 2019 Stories
      • 2018 Stories
      • 2017 Stories
      • 2016 Stories
      • 2015 Stories
      • 2014 Stories
      • 2013 Stories
  • Events
      • Countywide Calendar
      • Sacramento365
  • Photo / Video
      • Video Galleries
      • Photo Galleries
  • Public Information
      • Public Information Office
      • County Press Releases (2016-2010)
      • Public Records Act Requests
      • Contact Us

Put Food Safety First with Holiday Meal Prep

11/18/2015
Health & Social Services

Page Image
Food Safety
Image Caption
Evernote
 
 

Article Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Page Content

​The holiday season is here, and food safety is especially important as you prepare your holiday meal. Sacramento County Environmental Management Department’s (EMD) food safety specialists and Sacramento County Public Health say improper preparation of meals and handling of leftovers can make you sick. Let’s prevent foodborne illness during the holidays with good hygiene and safe food handling practices at home.

“The proper handling of raw meats/poultry and vegetables when preparing and cooking can usually prevent foodborne illness. It’s also important to store leftovers correctly. Another must is frequent hand-washing and thoroughly cleaning surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw meats – especially poultry,” EMD’s Kelly McCoy, Deputy Division Chief said.

SAFE TURKEY 101

When preparing a turkey, be aware of five important safety issues: thawing, preparing, stuffing, cooking to proper temperature, and handling of leftovers.

#1 Safe Thawing

Thawing turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature in the refrigerator. The "danger zone" is between 41 and 135°F — the temperature range where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly. While frozen, a turkey is safe for up to six months, but as soon as it begins to thaw, bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again if it is in the "danger zone."

#2 Safe Preparation

As you prepare the turkey, bacteria present on raw poultry can contaminate your hands, utensils and work surfaces, which then can be transferred. After working with raw poultry, always wash utensils and work surfaces, as well as your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before touching other foods.

#3 Safe Stuffing

For optimal safety and uniform doneness, cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. However, if you place stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before cooking, and use a food thermometer. Make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165°F, possibly resulting in foodborne illness.

#4 Safe Cooking

Before cooking, always thaw turkeys completely in the refrigerator Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F. Place turkey breast-side up on a wire rack in a shallow roasting pan. Check the internal temperature using a food thermometer – the center of the stuffing and meaty portion of the breast, thigh and wing joint must reach 165°F at a minimum. Cooking times will vary. Let the turkey stand 20 minutes. Remove all stuffing from the cavity and carve the meat.

#5 Handling Leftovers

Perishable foods should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. For optimum results, remove turkey meat from the bone and promptly refrigerate or freeze leftovers in shallow containers.  Reheating a whole turkey is NOT recommended. To reheat turkey, cut the meat into smaller pieces and keep legs and wings whole – before serving the turkey, it must reach 165°F.

#6 Leftover Storage Timeframes

Refrigerator (41°F or below)

  • Cooked turkey …… 3 to 4 days
  • Cooked dishes and gravy …… 3 to 4 days

Freezer (0 °F or below)

  • Turkey, plain; slices or pieces …… 4 mos.
  • Turkey covered with broth or gravy …… 6 mos.
  • Cooked poultry dishes, stuffing, and gravy …… 4-6 mos.

For additional food safety information, visit the Environmental Management Department website or call, 916-875-8440.  

Contact Info:

SC Contact Information
​Brenda Bongiorno, Communication and Media, 916-874-7798

Latest Headlines

  • Community Input: Laura’s Law/Ordered Treatment
  • Climate Plan Comments Due Friday, April 9
  • Budget Workshop Scheduled for April 14
  • Celebrate National Public Health Week
  • Host Your Next Event with Regional Parks

Categories

  • Animals/Pets/Insects
  • Art & Things To Do
  • County Governance, Operations, Policy
  • Economic Development, Community Planning, Agriculture
  • Emergency/Preparedness
  • Green & Technology
  • Health & Social Services
  • Law/Justice
  • Media Releases / Advisories
  • Parks/Recreation
  • Taxes & Voting
  • Transportation & Airports
  • Utility & Residential Services

News Archive

  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013

Photo Gallery
Check out our photo galleries showcasing the beauty of Sac County and our work to ensure it.
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Check out our videos about SacCounty Services.
Video Gallery
Sacramento365
A website designed to serve as the all-inclusive arts and entertainment resource for Sacramento County.
Sacramento365
More News
2021 Stories
2020 Stories
2019 Stories
2018 Stories
2017 Stories
2016 Stories
2015 Stories
2014 Stories
2013 Stories
Events
Countywide Calendar
Sacramento365
Galleries
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Public Information
Public Information Office
County Press Releases (2016-2010)
Public Records Act Requests
Contact Us

SACCOUNTY NEWS

Connect with us
Sign-up for news updates
Sign Up >
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Email
  • Sacramento Alert
  • LinkedIn
  • Flickr
  • News
  • Metro Cable
  • Instagram
© Copyright by SACCOUNTY NEWS
Website Policies Use | Contact Us | Report a Problem | Connect with Us | Website Feedback Form
Search