Thanksgiving and the holiday season are approaching, prompting many to turn to restaurants or home-cooked meals. For those preparing meals at home, food safety is a priority. The National Restaurant Association, in collaboration with ServSafe®, offers essential tips to ensure a safe dining experience.

First, handwashing is crucial. Thoroughly wash hands and forearms with soap for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to fingertips and under nails. Rinse well and dry with a paper towel or hand dryer. It's important to wash hands after handling uncooked meats to prevent cross-contamination.

Second, the kitchen sink must be cleaned regularly with soap or cleaning solutions. Contaminated sinks can reintroduce harmful bacteria even after washing hands.

Proper management of leftovers is also emphasized. Patrick Guzzle from the National Restaurant Association advises using labeled containers for leftovers: “If you refrigerate items before freezing, keep a close eye on how long they’ve been in the fridge." He notes that the seven-day storage rule is cumulative.

Lastly, thawing turkey safely involves using methods like refrigeration or microwaving rather than leaving it on the counter to avoid bacterial growth.

These practices help families focus on enjoying their time together while ensuring food safety during Thanksgiving and other holidays. The National Restaurant Association remains committed to promoting safe food handling practices for a safe celebration.