6. Consumer Trust is on Your Side: Avoid Food Poisoning This Thanksgiving

(ABC 6 News) – Thanksgiving is coming soon, which means many of us will have to spend hours preparing turkey dinner.

The only thing you should not bring to the holiday table is food poisoning! Consumer Reports reveals one mistake many of us make that can cause our guests to become seriously ill.

Rinsing the bird: This is what many of us do with our Thanksgiving turkeys before they go into the oven.

Spoiler alert! According to Consumer Reports and the USDA, rinsing will not make your bird any safer. “You may actually be doing more harm than good,” said Consumer Reports food editor Trisha Calvo.

“Rinsing raw poultry will not remove salmonella or other harmful bacteria that can cause illness; it can only be done by cooking it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees,” Calvo said. “Rinsing will increase the likelihood of cross-contamination in your kitchen.”

This is because bacteria can easily spread to your sink, faucet, countertop, etc. This is something home cook Marina Ferro has known for years.

“I don’t like washing the turkey because I’m so afraid of contamination,” Ferro said. “I don’t like putting it in the sink, I don’t like splashing anything because it gets everywhere.”

So how do you cook turkey? First, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap.

If you want to remove raw turkey mucus, pat the bird dry with a damp paper towel, discard it, and immediately wash your hands again.

Another warning: be careful with spice containers! Research has shown that they can be coated with bacteria, which can easily be transferred to your hands and the food you prepare.

To be on the safe side, Consumer Reports recommends pouring seasonings into a separate bowl ahead of time and throwing out what you don’t use. You can also wipe down the containers after use.

Remember to wash your hands before and after you check an online recipe! Research has shown that your phone may be infested with bacteria that can end up on everything you touch, including food!

Remember about sponges: they are a breeding ground for bacteria! Disinfect them in the dishwasher or microwave for one minute. If they start to smell, it’s time to throw them away.