Keep Germs Off the Menu: Thanksgiving Health and Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is about family, food, and all the warm fuzzies—so let’s make sure it’s not also about germs! Whether it’s a sneaky bout of food poisoning or a cold that nobody invited, these tips will help you keep Thanksgiving safe, healthy, and full of gratitude.

Turkey Troubles (and Ham Hazards)! Avoid These Foodborne Illnesses

No one wants the Thanksgiving turkey—or ham—to be memorable for the wrong reasons. Foodborne illnesses like E. coli, Salmonella, norovirus, and Trichinella spiralis (commonly associated with undercooked pork products like ham) can quickly turn a joyful holiday into a miserable one.

Here’s how to keep your feast fabulous and bacteria-free:

  • Defrost Safely: Thaw your turkey in the fridge, not on the counter. A countertop thaw leaves room for bacteria to grow on the surface, even if the inside is still frozen.
  • Separate to Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use different cutting boards for raw meats and veggies. Cross-contamination is one of the easiest ways to transfer harmful bacteria between dishes.
  • Cook to the Right Temp: Ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part. For ham, make sure it’s heated to 145°F (whole, cooked ham) or 165°F (pre-cooked, reheated ham). This kills harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Trichinella spiralis.
  • Leftover Love: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Leaving food out too long gives bacteria a chance to multiply. Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F before enjoying them again.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t forget the Lactaid for those creamy mashed potatoes!

Foodborne Illness Symptoms:

Watch for fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can take hours to days to appear, so prevention is your best defense.

Trichinellosis (from Trichinella spiralis due to eating undercooked pork) can cause muscle pain and swelling, especially if the infection becomes severe in the short term and leads to more serious complications in the long term. 📖 Read more about trichinella here: CDC Trichinellosis Info

Organic Carrot Recall Alert! 🥕

Heads up! A recall has been issued for organic carrots due to the risk of bacterial contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (E. coli) O121. This affects multiple brands sold at retail stores between August 14 and October 23, 2024.

While these carrots should no longer be on shelves, double-check your fridge or pantry to ensure none of these sneaky culprits are hiding in your Thanksgiving recipes. Stick to fresh, newly purchased carrots—or play it safe and skip them this year altogether. Your stuffing won’t mind!

Symptoms: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli may cause bloody diarrhea, kidney failure, and neurological disease, especially in those who are immunocompromised.

Keep the Flu and RSV Off the Guest List

Thanksgiving marks the start of flu and RSV season, but these uninvited guests don’t have to join the party. Protect yourself and your loved ones:

  • Flu Shots for the Win: Get vaccinated ahead of time. It’s quick, easy, and one of the most effective ways to protect against severe flu.
  • The Kindness of Staying Home: Feeling under the weather? It’s okay to bow out this year. Skipping the gathering is the ultimate act of love if it keeps others healthy.
  • Wash Those Hands: Handwashing is one of the simplest ways to prevent the spread of flu and RSV. Kids are especially prone to spreading germs, so make it fun with a song or a challenge.

Bathroom Etiquette Reminder

The Thanksgiving bathroom lineup is inevitable, but a little hygiene goes a long way!

  • Ditch Shared Hand Towels: Swap the shared hand towel for disposable options. No one wants to dry their hands on a germy sponge disguised as 'grandma’s guest towel.'
  • Pro Tip: Remind everyone to close the toilet lid before flushing. Tiny droplets (called toilet plume) can spray bacteria like E. coli onto communal surfaces, including hand towels.

Thanksgiving is about sharing joy, not germs. By following these simple steps, you can keep everyone at your table healthy and happy. Wishing you a holiday filled with love, laughter, and good health!

Subscribe to my blog and follow us on LinkedIn for more everyday tips on keeping you and your family safe from infectious diseases. Stay informed, stay healthy!

Image Credit: Ms Jones from California, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons 

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Location: New York, NY, USA

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