Food Handling Tips for Thanksgiving Cooks

While the holidays are a prime time to chow down, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has found that stuffing your face can turn into a stomach ache if you're not careful.

While most people easily overcome such illnesses, symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening in older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, according to the county.

As you try your hands in the kitchen this Thanksgiving, here are tips on how to handle food properly:

To cook a turkey:

• When roasting a whole turkey, use a food thermometer to make sure it cooks to 165° F or higher. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, but not against the bone.
• For safety and uniform doneness, cook stuffing separately in a casserole dish. 
• For pre-cooked turkey dinners, eat within two hours or refrigerate components separately, then reheat to a temperature of at least 165° F.

Other food handling tips include:

• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cutting into them.
• Separate raw meats and poultry from other foods such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards, knives and platters for these foods.
• Wash cutting boards, utensils and platters after preparing each food item and before going on to the next item.
• Bring sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil when re-heating.
• Keep hot foods hot. Use chafing dishes or pans with Sternos or other heating devices, or keep foods in the oven at a temperature to ensure they remain at 135° F or above.
• Keep cold foods cold. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Throw out foods that should have been kept cold, but have been left out for more than two hours.
• "Taste testing" food or drinks to see if they have spoiled is not recommended.

This story was compiled with information from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Be sure to follow Beverly Hills Patch on Twitter and "Like" us on Facebook.