ATLANTA - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is OK with vaccinated people gathering for Thanksgiving this year, but they have a warning for those prepping the turkey: Don’t wash it.It’s the same warning federal food safety experts have been issuing every year since 2005.
Washing raw meats raises the risk of cross-contamination and could lead to food poisonings like salmonella and campylobacter.Such bacteria can be eliminated with thorough cooking.
To ensure a turkey is sufficiently cooked, a thermometer can be used to check that the deepest and thickest parts of it have reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.RELATED: Wash your hands this Thanksgiving, but not your turkey, USDA saysDespite annual reminders from the CDC and.