Thanksgiving Turkey Buying Tips: Act Now to Ensure Safety

UPDATE: As Thanksgiving approaches, experts urge consumers to make informed decisions about purchasing and thawing their turkeys. With the holiday just weeks away, ensuring food safety is paramount for holiday meals.

Thanksgiving falls on November 23, 2023, the second-latest date possible this year, prompting many to consider when to buy their turkey. If you’re preparing a turkey dinner, the timing of your purchase and thawing process is crucial to avoid foodborne illness.

Food safety experts from the Minnesota Department of Health confirm that if you opt for a fresh turkey, you should wait until one to two days before cooking to buy it. During this time, keep the bird refrigerated on a tray to catch any juices and prevent contamination.

For those considering a frozen turkey, there’s no wrong time to purchase one, as long as you allow sufficient time for thawing. The Minnesota Department of Health states that frozen turkeys can stay in the freezer indefinitely, but it’s best to cook them within a year. This means savvy shoppers can even buy a turkey after Thanksgiving for next year!

When it’s time to thaw your turkey, follow safe practices to avoid the “Danger Zone” temperatures of 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, where bacteria thrive. The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) emphasizes that thawing on the counter is not safe. Instead, use one of three approved methods: refrigerator thawing, cold water thawing, or microwave thawing.

Remember, the size of your turkey affects how long it needs to thaw. If you find yourself in a bind and forget to thaw your turkey, don’t panic — you can still cook it from frozen, but it will take at least 50% longer than a thawed bird.

As Thanksgiving approaches, be proactive in ensuring a safe and delicious meal. For those who prefer to dine out, some restaurants have announced they will be open on Thanksgiving Day, providing options for families who opt for convenience.

With just weeks until the holiday, now is the time to act. Share this information to help friends and family prepare for a safe Thanksgiving feast!