Should you wash your Thanksgiving turkey? Here’s what food safety experts say
Clean hands are a must before you head to the dinner table on Thanksgiving.
But what about a “clean” turkey?
Your bird isn’t among the things that need to be rinsed, cleansed or scrubbed before dinnertime, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Washing any meat, including poultry, before cooking “is not recommended.”
It “actually increases the risk you will cross-contaminate germs to other foods you’re preparing,” the department said on its website. “But if you do choose to wash your turkey, you need to fully clean and sanitize your sink.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also advised against washing raw poultry, adding that germs can spread to the sink, countertops and other food items — putting you and your guests at risk of contracting a food-borne illness.
Experts said your best bet at eliminating dangerous food bacteria is to cook it thoroughly.
You’ll know your turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA.
Experts recommend using a food thermometer on the thickest and deepest parts of the bird to make sure it’s fully cooked. Leftovers should also be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F, the CDC said.
For those who still prefer to wash their turkey first, cleansing and sanitizing all surfaces is an important “two-step process” after you’re done, the USDA’s website says.
This means wiping surfaces with warm, soapy water and then sanitizing them with a diluted bleach solution to kill any leftover bacteria, experts say. Surfaces should be left to air dry.