Holi-dazed and Confused? Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department offers food tips to keep Thanksgiving on right side of fowl line | News, Sports, Jobs

(Photo Illustration – MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — Family dinner is on everyone’s mind as the holidays approach, especially the turkey for Thanksgiving.

The Environmental Health department of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department has food safety tips for the holidays.

“We want all of the Mid-Ohio Valley to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner — and their health — by following food safety guidelines,” Nicole Needs, environmental health director, said.

Turkeys should thaw in the refrigerator, 24 hours for every 5 pounds. A cold water bath may be used for 30 minutes per pound. The turkey should never be thawed in hot water or left on the counter.

Washing or rinsing your turkey increases the risk of spreading germs to other food.

Stuffing the turkey is not recommended. It takes longer to cook to the proper temperature of 165 degrees for both bird and stuffing.

Cook stuffing in a separate dish.

Cook turkeys breast-side up at a minimum of 325 degrees. If using an oven bag, follow manufacturer instructions for how long to cook.

Approximate cooking times are:

* 8-12 pound turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

* 12 to 16 pound turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours

* 16-20 pound turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours

* 20-24 pound turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours

The turkey must reach 165 degrees as measured by a food thermometer. Check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the innermost part of the wing.

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent food poisoning. Cut the turkey into smaller pieces to cool quickly. Use leftover turkey and any dishes made with it within 3 days. Freeze turkey to store it for longer. Reheat all leftovers to at least 165 degrees.

For more information, call the United States Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1-888-674-6854. A live chat will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at ask.usda.gov.

Got to www.movhd.com/gobble for more Thanksgiving food and fire safety tips while cooking.