How to make sure your bird is cooked all the way through
Thanksgiving is Thursday, so hopefully you've already thawed your bird. If you haven't, you're still in luck. Keep in mind, it usually takes one to three days to thaw a standard turkey in the refrigerator.
And the bigger the turkey, the longer it takes to thaw. We spoke with an environmental sanitarian with the Adams County Health Department who told us if you start now, your turkey can make it in time for a feast at your dinner table.
"We can do some alternative methods. If you've forgotten to thaw your turkey, you can use cold water to thaw it out. Put your turkey in a bag that won't leak. Fill your sink with cold water, and for every pound your turkey is, it'll take 30 minutes of thawing time," said Tony Dede with the Adams County Health Department.
If you thaw your bird in the sink, you'll have to remember to change the water every 30 minutes, for fresh water.
Once your turkey's thawed, it's time to stick it in the oven. To make sure the meat cooks thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. Stick it in the thigh or the breast of the bird, and make sure it reaches a temperature of at least 165 degrees.
Dede says you need to remember something else, other than just cooking your turkey properly.
"The bacteria associated with turkey is salmonella. It's important that while you're preparing the turkey, that whatever the turkey touches, or the juices touch, you want to wash it.," Dede said.
That means washing your hands, the sink the turkey thaws in and counter tops. If you have any questions about food safety or how to cook your turkey, visit www.fsis.usda.gov or www.butterball.com or call 1-888-674-6854 or 1-800 butterball
Help will be available 24-7.
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