Food Safety Issues/turkey safety

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Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/20/2006


Question
I would like to cook my turkey overnight.
Is this safe? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Gail,

Yes -- you can cook your turkey anytime you want. Just make sure the bird is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165. Let the bird cool, then slice the meat and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you need longer storage, freeze the meat.

For a great website that answers many turkey questions, please visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Lets_Talk_Turkey/index.asp

University of Illinois also has a great website on turkey including many links to other sites for turkey information. On the main page scroll down until you see "Turkey for the Holidays." http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/

If you have additional questions, please let me know.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension

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Volunteer

Carol Schlitt

Expertise

I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).

Experience

I am a former Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety, having retired August 1, 2010. I am a certified HACCP manager, a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health and a 3rd party food safety and OSHA auditor of restaurants.

Organizations
International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, St. Louis Culinary Society.

Education/Credentials
BS - University of Illinois MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

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