The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends several tips to avoid foodborne illness and keep the Thanksgiving holiday celebration festive.

“We would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Health Officer for the county.

“During this season of giving, we extend our gratitude to the first responders and our compassion and support to those who have been affected by the recent fires,” he said. “As family and friends gather together, it is important we protect ourselves and our loved ones and guests by preparing foods safely. You can help prevent foodborne illness by following some simple food handling tips and cooking your turkey and other meats to appropriate temperatures.”

Each year during the holidays, Public Health investigates cases of foodborne illness that are the result of undercooked food and poor food handling practices.

Typical symptoms of foodborne illness (sometimes known as food poisoning) include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, all of which can start hours or days after consuming contaminated food or drink. For healthy people, most symptoms usually go away after a few hours or days without treatment.

However, foodborne illness can be severe and even life-threatening in older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and those with conditions that weaken their immune systems.

Raw or undercooked meats including turkey, chicken, beef and lamb can contain Campylobacter, Salmonella or E.coli bacteria that cause diarrhea and other health problems. Cooking meats to the proper temperature can kill these bacteria; freezing does not kill these bacteria.

When purchasing a fresh turkey, plan to cook it within 1- 2 days after purchase. Do not buy fresh pre-stuffed turkeys. If not handled properly, any harmful bacteria that may be in the stuffing can multiply very quickly. Frozen pre-stuffed turkeys are safe because they have been processed under controlled conditions.

To thaw a turkey:
* Refrigerator: Place frozen turkey in original wrapper in the refrigerator (40° F or below). Allow approximately 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey. After thawing, keep turkey refrigerated for only 1-2 days before cooking. A turkey that has been thawed in the refrigerator can be re-frozen one time. It is not recommended to refreeze a turkey that has been thawed using other methods.
* Cold Water: Place securely wrapped turkey in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes defrosting time per pound of turkey. Cook immediately after thawing.
* Microwave: Check to see if the turkey is small enough and fits comfortably in the microwave. Check manufacturer’s instructions for the size of turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the minutes per pound, and the power level to use for thawing. Cook immediately after thawing.
* Do not thaw frozen pre-stuffed turkeys.

To cook a turkey:
* When roasting a whole turkey, use a food thermometer to make sure it cooks to 165°F or higher. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, but not against the bone.
* For safety and uniform doneness, cook stuffing separately in a casserole dish.
* For pre-cooked turkey dinners, eat within 2 hours or refrigerate components separately, then reheat to a temperature of at least 165°F.
* Frozen pre-stuffed turkeys: Cook from the frozen state by following package directions.

Other food handling tips include:
* Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food and after using the restroom.
* Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cutting into them.
* Separate raw meats and poultry from other foods such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid cross contamination by using separate cutting boards, knives, and platters for these foods.
* Wash cutting boards, utensils, and platters after preparing each food item and before going on to the next item.
* Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when re-heating.
* Keep hot foods hot. Use chafing dishes or pans with Sternos or other heating devices, or keep foods in the oven at a temperature to ensure they remain at 135°F or above.
* Keep cold foods cold (40°F or below). Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Throw out foods that should have been kept cold, but have been left out for more than two hours.
* Leftovers should be used within 3 to 4 days.
* “Taste testing” food or drinks to see if they have spoiled is not recommended.

Foodborne illnesses can be caused by raw or lightly cooked eggs or egg products used in foods such as salad dressings, cookie or cake batter, sauces such as hollandaise sauce, and beverages such as eggnog. Avoid eating uncooked items containing raw or lightly cooked eggs or egg products. Substitute pasteurized eggs when cooking these foods. If you get a foodborne illness, seek medical attention.

For more information on safe cooking, visit the USDA website at www.usda.gov or call their toll-free Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854. Food safety specialists are available, in English or Spanish, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time during the week year-round. An extensive menu of recorded food safety messages may be heard 24 hours a day.

For tips on keeping your food safe this holiday, please visit Avoid Foodborne Illness This Thanksgiving.