Food Office - advice re turkeys

[Penny]

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The Food Standards Agency is reminding people to follow some simple safety steps this Christmas when preparing their turkeys, to help keep the festive period free from the misery of food poisoning.
Many people aren’t used to cooking such large meal, so remembering and sticking to the basic rules should mean food poisoning is one less thing to worry about over Christmas.
If you buy a frozen turkey make sure it’s completely thawed before you cook it by checking there are no ice crystals in the cavity. Also, use a fork to test the thickest parts of the meat. A larger turkey can take up to two days to defrost entirely.
Don’t wash your turkey before cooking. Washing is more likely to splash food bugs on to worktops, dishes and other foods. Proper cooking will kill bugs.
Plan your cooking time properly. Follow the cooking times and other instructions on the label or, as a general guide, for a turkey weighing less than 4.5kg, allow 45 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes; for one weighing between 4.5kg and 6.5kg, allow 40 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes; and for those over 6.5kg, 35 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes. All turkeys should be cooked at 180ºC, 350ºF, Gas Mark 4 (after the oven has preheated).
Check the turkey is cooked properly by cutting into the thickest part of the meat. None of the meat should still be pink and any juices that run out should be clear. Finally, the meat should be steaming hot all the way through.
Bob Martin, a food safety expert at the Food Standards Agency, said: 'Don’t let food poisoning ruin your Christmas. Be sure to leave plenty of time for your turkey to defrost and cook properly.
'One of the most common mistakes people make when preparing their turkey or chicken is washing the bird before they cook it. Our research has shown that 80% of us who cook a turkey at Christmas wash it before cooking. This isn’t necessary and can be harmful. Washing your turkey can splash bugs around the kitchen and proper cooking will get rid of them anyway.'
Cheers Penny

[Victors Mate]

That Bob Martin knows what he's talking about. You never see a pet with food poisoning after using his products

[Rowan]

I stopped washing chicken and turkey the first time I heard about it causing more bugs. thanks for that Penny