Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and officials at the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reminding Iowans that improperly handling food can make people sick. Every year, the department investigates multiple outbreaks of illnesses related to large family gatherings. They say the most common problems that lead to food-borne disease are improper handling and inadequate cooking. The department encourages everyone to follow the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Frozen turkey should only be thawed in the refrigerator, a sink of regularly-changed cold water or microwave, and it should never be left to thaw by leaving it at room temperature for extended periods of time. Be sure to wash your hands every time you come in contact with raw foods and check that turkey and stuffing reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees before eating. The IDPH asks people to report any food-borne illness they believe may be linked to a restaurant or gathering by calling the IowaSIC hotline at 1-844-469-2742. For more food safety tips, follow the link included with this story on our website.
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https://www.cdc.gov/features/TurkeyTime/
