EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging the public to practice food safety throughout the entire Thanksgiving process, from the grocery store to the dining table, the department said in a news release.
“On the most popular food holiday of the year, we’re reminding consumers to follow safe food handling practices starting at the grocery store and going all the way through enjoying your leftovers,” Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban said. “Following these basic steps can help keep your family and friends safe this holiday season.”
USDA provided the following guide to “keep Thanksgiving food safe”:
Shopping
Bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels if perishables, like turkey, are left in the danger zone (temperatures between 40 F and 140 F) for too long.
Pick up your turkey and other perishable products at the end of your grocery shopping so they stay cold as long as possible.
Pack perishables in insulated bags with cold sources if the commute home is longer than an hour and place them in the refrigerator as soon as you get home.