What type of cutting board do you recommend?
Plastic or glass surfaces are best for cutting raw meat and poultry. Wooden cutting
boards are acceptable as long as they're used exclusively for raw meat and poultry.
Cross-contamination during preparation, grilling and serving is a major cause of
food-borne illness. A board used to cut raw meat may contain bacteria, which could
contaminate other food. Make sure you use a different board to cut meat that's cooked
and any other food items you plan to serve, such as bread and fresh vegetables.
What's the best way to clean a cutting board?
Both wooden and plastic cutting boards can be washed in hot, soapy water or put
in the dishwasher. You can also make a bleach solution to sanitize your cutting
boards using 1 teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Flood the surface of the
board with the solution and let it stand for a few minutes. Then rinse and air dry
or pat dry with fresh paper towels. Cutting boards wear out over time. You should
replace any board that has developed hard-to-clean grooves or looks excessively
worn.
How can I guard against Salmonella?
Following three simple rules will go a long way toward keeping your family safe.
First, raw poultry should always be refrigerated at or below 40° F. Second, it should
be cooked properly to internal temperatures of 170° F in the breast and 180° F in
the thigh, as determined by a meat thermometer. Third, all counters, utensils, and
surfaces that come in contact with the raw turkey and its juices should be washed
with hot, soapy water.
How does cross-contamination occur?
Cross-contamination can occur when preparing raw poultry for cooking. Raw meat juices
containing microorganisms can get on the countertop, on utensils, etc., and if not cleaned,
may result in cross-contamination of the next item to come in contact with the counter or
utensils (for example, salad materials – tomatoes, lettuce – or other items that may not be cooked).
Per the Food Safety and Inspection Service, use hot, soapy water and paper towels or clean cloths
to wipe your kitchen surfaces or spills. Wash cutting boards, dishes and countertops with hot, soapy
water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next.
How long can a turkey be left out after it has been cooked before it needs to go in the fridge?
According to the National Turkey Federation, all leftovers should be stored in shallow containers and refrigerated
or frozen within two hours of cooking.
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