MONROE, La. (KNOE) - With Thanksgiving celebrations underway across the country, food safety experts are reminding families to take extra precautions before, during and after preparing holiday meals.

Food safety officials say one of the most common holiday mistakes happens long before the turkey reaches the oven. A frozen turkey requires four to five days to thaw in the refrigerator, depending on size. Thawing on the counter is unsafe, as harmful bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature.

Another major issue is cross-contamination. FDA recommends keeping raw poultry and its juices away from foods that won’t be cooked, including fruits, vegetables and desserts. Using separate cutting boards for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods can also prevent bacteria from spreading.

The FDA also advise

See Full Page