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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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November 17, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Turkey Questions You Were Afraid to Ask
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Foodborne illness can
occur at any time of the year, but spikes are often seen during the
holiday season. The USDA has a meat and poultry hotline that gets
especially busy during this time period. The column reports some of the
questions they have received. Perhaps the responses will answer some of
those questions that you have always wanted to know but were embarrassed
to ask!
Question: “I discovered I cooked the turkey with the package of giblets
still inside. Are the turkey and giblets safe to eat?” Answer : If
giblets were left in the cavity during roasting, even though this is not
recommended, the turkey and giblets are probably safe to use. However,
if the packaging containing the giblets has changed shape or melted in
any way during cooking, do not use the giblets or the turkey because
harmful chemicals from the packaging may have penetrated the surrounding
meat.
Question : “I woke up and discovered that I left the pork roast out all
night. I took it out of the freezer to thaw for awhile last night and
forgot to put it back in the refrigerator before I went to bed. It is
completely thawed and warm to the touch. If I cook it, will it be safe
to eat?” Answer : Unfortunately this roast should not be eaten. It has
been out of refrigeration too long.
Question: “I purchased a fresh stuffed turkey form my local grocery
store in the deli department. One of my guest said it's not safe to eat.
Is she right?” Answer: Yes, she's right. USDA recommends discarding it
or returning the product to the store where purchased. You should only
buy pre-stuffed turkeys that display the USDA or State mark of
inspection on the packaging.
Question: “ I put a 20lb turkey in the a 200 degree oven before I went
to bed last night and the pop-up time says it's already done at 7:30
this morning. We are not eating until 3:00 p.m. What should I do?”
Answer : Overnight cooking of meat at a low temperature isn't a safe
method so we don't recommend eating this turkey. Secondly, holding a
properly cooked turkey for this long at a safe internal temperature of
140 degrees or above for such a long time as this will dry it out and
affect the quality of the meat. If this turkey had been cooked properly
and was safe to eat, the best way to hold it for all those hours would
be to carve it and refrigerate it in covered shallow containers. It
could then be served cold or reheated to an internal temperature of 165
degrees.
Question : “I baked my pumpkin pies a few days ago and they have been
sitting on the counter. Are they ok to eat?” Answer: Foods made with
eggs and milk must first be safely baked to a minimum internal
temperature of 160 degrees. Then they should be cooled and then
refrigerated. You would be taking a chance if you eat these pies.
For most people who experience foodborne illness, while it is painful,
disruptive and overall “not-nice” experience, healthy people usually
recover from it without much residual “damage.” However, for the
elderly, the young and those with a chronic illness, it can have
devastating consequences. Don't take chances with your family and
guests. Follow food safety rules. For more questions and answers like
those above and a packet on food safety, District residents can call
QVHD, 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org You can also contact the USDA Meat and Poultry line
directly at 1-888-674-6854 or email them at
mphotline.fsis@usda.gov.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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