Preplanning meals prevents holiday stomach woes

  • Published
  • By Orhan Bayik and Tech. Sgt. Kevin Ward
  • 39th Medical Group public health
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Most of us have fond memories of holiday meals past, with family and friends gathered around a table full of good food. Center for Disease Control estimates that 76 million people get sick, more than 300,000 are hospitalized and 5,000 Americans die each year from foodborne illness. Following the food safety tips below can help prevent unnecessary food-related illness.

Wash hands thoroughly before preparing each food item. Soapy water should be used to clean anything that comes into contact with raw poultry, meat products or their juices in efforts to prevent the spread of bacteria. This includes all utensils as well as kitchen counters and dishes.

Thaw frozen turkeys at refrigeration temperatures of 41 F or below. This may require from one to five days, depending on size. Food experts recommend immediate cooking upon completion of thawing, but don't forget to remove the neck and giblet package from inside and to wash the bird well (inside and out) with cold water first. To ensure complete heating, food experts also recommend cooking the dressing as a separate dish rather than inside the bird as stuffing.

Cook the turkey until its internal temperature reaches 180 F. This can easily be measured with a meat thermometer. Specific directions for cooking times are usually available on the bird's wrapper. Large roasts and hams also require thorough cooking and must reach temperatures of 170 F. Refrigerate all perishable foods as soon as possible after the meal. Poultry, pork and beef should be refrigerated within two hours after cooking. Additionally, the best way to store those leftovers is to divide them into smaller containers, which increases surface area and enhances rapid cooling.

Taking "short cuts" during food preparation or handling can be quite tempting when you're preparing a large meal and are pressed for time. However, neglecting hot or cold temperature requirements can result in the build up of harmful levels of bacteria or viruses that can turn sweet dreams of that holiday feast into a long, sleepless night.

For details, call public health 676-6123.