STOP! Don’t Wash the Turkey!

Wash your hands, but not the turkey! 

Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer.  However, it’s virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, the sink, and other foods and utensils. This is called cross-contamination, which can make you and others very sick.  Washing your hands before and after handling the turkey and its packaging is crucial to avoid spreading harmful bacteria.

Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for 20 seconds.  This simple, but important step can help keep everyone safe from foodborne illness.  If your raw turkey or its juices come in contact with kitchen surfaces, wash the counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water.  For extra protection, surfaces may be sanitized with a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.  Make sure to let those areas dry thoroughly.

The only way to destroy bacteria on turkey or any poultry product is to cook it to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer.  Some chefs prefer to cook to a higher temperature for flavor and texture. Check the turkey’s temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast to be sure it has reached a safe temperature will be free of illness-causing bacteria.

Source: Karlsons, Donna. (2017, February 21). To Wash or Not to Wash Your Turkey . . . . United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Marlene Geiger

I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.

More Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

AnswerLine

Connect with us!

AnswerLine's Facebook page AnswerLine's Pinterest page
Email: answer@iastate.edu
Phone: (Monday-Friday, 9 am-noon; 1-4 pm)
1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa)
1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota)

Archives

Categories