Thanksgiving cooking safety

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK)- Clean, separate, cook, and chill. Four steps the USDA says will keep your Thanksgiving safe.

Food safety specialists Maribel Alonso says, "We recommend consumers clean their hands, you know wash their hands. make sure they start with clean surfaces before they start cooking. separate raw meat and poultry products from any ready to eat item. cook to a proper temperature using a food thermometer and chill promptly."

Never thaw a turkey on the counter overnight. If it's still frozen, it's safe to cook it. Just at 50% more cooking time. If you need to thaw, use a microwave or cold water changed every 30 minutes.

Food that will be left out for over 2 hours should be either warmed or chilled to the correct temps.

Hotlines will be open tomorrow to answer questions and help you out of any turkey trouble.

For more information visit: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2019/nr-112519-01 https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2019/11/20/four-steps-food-safe-thanksgiving-feast