Keep Safety in Mind When Preparing a Turkey
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  • Writer's pictureKyle Sooley-Brookings

Keep Safety in Mind When Preparing a Turkey



Many people will gather around with family and friends this Thanksgiving, usually with a turkey dinner.


There are some safety tips to keep in mind when preparing a turkey.


Raw turkey can contaminate anything it touches with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.


Use a food thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature. Internal temperatures of 82°C (180°F) for whole birds and 74°C (165°F) for pieces.


Follow the Government of Canada’s Poultry Safety Tips for safe shopping, chilling, cleaning, thawing and cooking, to help prevent food-related illnesses from occurring over the holidays.

  • Never rinse poultry before cooking it because the bacteria can spread wherever the water splashes

  • Always wash your hands before and after you touch raw poultry

  • Use a separate plate, cutting board and tools during preparation

  • Clean everything with a kitchen cleaner or bleach solution and then rinse with water

  • Wipe kitchen surfaces with paper towels or use a fresh dishcloth to avoid cross-contamination

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