Easy At-Home Advice for Handling Food Safely this Thanksgiving
To make sure your Thanksgiving meal is prepared safely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering food safety advice to reduce foodborne illness, including on Thanksgiving Day.
Press Release
This week, Americans will enjoy a delicious meal on Thanksgiving Day with family and friends – either in person or virtually. Taking the necessary steps toward safe food handling and sanitation will help protect you and your loved ones this year. To make sure your Thanksgiving meal is prepared safely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering food safety advice to reduce foodborne illness, including on Thanksgiving Day.
“Our data shows that consumers can reduce their likelihood of foodborne illness by focusing on good hand hygiene and other food safety practices,” said Dr. Mindy Brashears, USDA’s Under Secretary for Food Safety. “As home chefs nationwide prepare their Thanksgiving meals, proper handwashing and avoiding cross contamination in the kitchen are critical to keeping your loved ones safe.”
Wash Your Hands
The first step to safe food preparation is to clean. In recent USDA observational research, participants did not even attempt to wash their hands, or did not wash their hands sufficiently about 95 percent of the time before and during meal preparation.
Handwashing is recommended to control the spread of germs, especially before, during and after preparing food (especially after touching raw meat or poultry).
Thawing the Turkey
Frozen turkeys should never be thawed on the counter or in hot water and must not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. The best method to thaw the turkey is in the refrigerator since this allows slow, safe thawing. When thawing turkey in the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey. Once thawed, it can remain safe in the fridge for one to two days. Other safe thawing methods include a cold-water bath or the microwave. If you use either of these thawing methods, you should cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. If using the cold-water method, allow 30 minutes per pound, and submerge the turkey in its original wrapping to avoid cross-contamination. If thawing in the microwave, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when defrosting the turkey.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
In a recent study, USDA found 60 percent of kitchen sinks were contaminated with germs after participants washed or rinsed poultry. To avoid this cross-contamination risk, do not wash your turkey. But if you do wash your turkey or put your turkey in the sink, you need to fully clean and sanitize your sink. Cleaning and sanitizing is a two-step process. To clean, rub down surfaces — including the sink, cutting boards, and counter tops — with soap and hot water, and then sanitize them with a cleaning solution to remove any residual germs you cannot see. You can use a homemade solution of one tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. Let air dry.
Do Not Stuff the Turkey
Although many choose to stuff the turkey, USDA does not recommend doing so for optimal safety. Instead, cook stuffing outside of the turkey cavity to reduce cross-contamination risk. This will also allow your turkey to cook more quickly.
Cooking to the Safe Temperature
A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a food thermometer in three parts: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the wing, and the innermost part of the thigh. Even if the turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator, you should still use a food thermometer to check that the bird has reached at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in those three places. If you are planning to cook a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey, check the temperature with the food thermometer (165 degrees Fahrenheit) at the thickest part the breast. All previously cooked side dishes should be reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured by a food thermometer as well.
The Two-Hour Rule
To make sure food stays safe to eat through the weekend, all perishable items should be refrigerated within two hours of when they finished cooking. After two hours, perishable food will be in the Danger Zone (40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) too long, which is when bacteria can multiply quickly and cause the food to become unsafe. If foods have been left out for more than two hours they should be discarded.
Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftovers in small, shallow containers in the refrigerator until the Monday after Thanksgiving Day or in the freezer for later use. Shallow containers help cool leftovers more quickly than storing them in large containers. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the internal temperature of the food in several places with a food thermometer after allowing a resting time.
You Have Questions, USDA Has Answers
For advice about how to safely prepare the turkey and all other menu items this Thanksgiving Day, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or chat live with a food safety expert at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you need last-minute help on Thanksgiving Day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit FoodSafety.gov or follow USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Twitter @USDAFoodSafety or on Facebook at Facebook.com/FoodSafety.gov for the latest food safety tips.
Holiday Grease Roundup
Don’t wash grease down the drain. Instead, participate in the 2020 Holiday Grease Roundup which kicks off Saturday, November 21 through Monday, January 4, 2021.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – The City of Corpus Christi’s Water Utilities Department urges residents to collect and recycle or safely dispose of all used fats, oils and grease (FOG). When FOG is washed down the drain, it sticks inside pipes causing hardening and building up that clogs and damages the sanitary sewer system. This can cause sewage overflows and backups in homes, streets and local waterways.
Don’t wash grease down the drain. Instead, participate in the 2020 Holiday Grease Roundup which kicks off Saturday, November 21 through Monday, January 4, 2021.
The Water Utilities Department is teaming up with Solid Waste Services offering residents free disposal of used cooking oil by taking it to the J.C. Elliott Collection Center located at Hwy 286 and Ayers Street.
The Wastewater Division is also offering free grease containers for residents (limited quantities are available and only one per household). Grease containers for curbside pickup will be available Monday through Friday at the Water Utilities Building, 2726 Holly Road. Citizens can call 361-826-1800 to request a grease container.
For additional information and Frequently Asked Questions, visit us at: www.cctexas.com/fog
Thanksgiving Garbage Schedule - Kingsville
Kingsville City Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th, 2020 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Press Release
Kingsville City Hall and other Administrative Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th, 2020 in observance of Thanksgiving.
The City Sanitation garbage pick-up schedule will temporarily change for the week of November 22nd through November 28th, 2020.
Residential Sanitation Schedule
Monday/ Thursday service will be done on MONDAY ONLY
Tuesday/ Friday service will be done on TUESDAY ONLY
Commercial Sanitation Schedule
Wednesday /Thursday service will be done on Wednesday
Friday/Saturday service will be done on Saturday
The schedule will resume to its normal schedule on November 30th, 2020.
Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule - Corpus Christi
Most City of Corpus Christi offices including City Hall, Public Libraries, Animal Care Services and Municipal Court will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.
Press Release
Most of the City of Corpus Christi offices including City Hall, Public Libraries, Animal Care Services and Municipal Court will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. Here’s a complete list of City office closings and schedules:
Solid Waste Services:
Garbage & Recycling Collection: Thursday, November 26 routes will be collected Saturday, November 28.
Brush & Bulky: WILL NOT BE COLLECTED Thursday, November 26 & Friday, November 27.
Landfill: The J.C. Elliott Citizens Collection Center WILL BE CLOSED Thursday, November 26 but will REOPEN Friday, November 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Animal Care Services:
CLOSED Thursday, November 26 & Friday, November 27
OPEN Saturday, November 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Adoptions will take place between 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Libraries:
All public libraries will close at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 and remain closed on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. Regular Hours will resume Saturday, November 28.
The following schedule will be observed at City Parks and Recreation facilities and programs during the Thanksgiving holiday:
Golf Courses: (Holiday Schedule)
Lozano Golf Center:
OPEN Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
OPEN Friday, November 27, 6:00 a.m. to dusk.
Oso Golf Course:
OPEN on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
OPEN on Friday, November 27, 6:00 a.m. to dusk.
Tennis Centers: (Holiday Schedule)
HEB Tennis Center:
OPEN Wednesday, November 25, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
CLOSED Thanksgiving Day
OPEN Friday, November 27, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
OPEN Saturday, November 28, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
OPEN Sunday, November 29, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Al Kruse Tennis Center:
OPEN Wednesday, November 25, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
CLOSED Thanksgiving Day
OPEN Friday, November 27, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
OPEN Saturday, November 28, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
OPEN Sunday, November 29, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Public Pools: (Holiday Schedule)
Collier Pool:
OPEN Wednesday, November 25, normal operating hours.
CLOSED Thanksgiving Day
OPEN Friday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
OPEN normal hours after Friday, November 27
Natatorium:
OPEN Wednesday, November 25, normal operating hours.
CLOSED Thanksgiving Day
OPEN Friday, November 27, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
OPEN normal hours after Friday, November 27
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center:
Walking trails and playground OPEN daily, dawn to dusk.
Learning Center: CLOSED
Gymnasiums:
Corpus Christi Gym- CLOSED Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27
Ben Garza Gym- CLOSED Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27
After Hour Kid Power (formerly Latchkey): CLOSED Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27
Recreation Centers: CLOSED
Senior Centers: CLOSED for Curbside Meal Service on Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27
Thanksgiving Break ‘Vacation Station’ Camp
While busy with your holiday tasks, get your children set for fun activities during their Thanksgiving school break at the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation’s Vacation Station camp.
Press Release
Press Release
corpus Christi – Vacation Station will be offered Monday through Wednesday, November 23, 24 & 25, 2020, from 7:30am to 6pm at Oso Recreation Center, 1111 Bernice Drive, and at Lindale Senior Center, 3135 Swantner Drive. Camp fee is only $30 per child per day.
Online sign up closes Friday, November 13, 2020 at 5pm. Sign up on the interest list for the site of your choice at https://cclatchkey.egdata.com/parent_login.cfm.
Additionally, a new safety protocol will be offered as we Play it Safe due to COVID-19. All children will have their temperatures taken at the door prior to entering. Parents will be required to pick up their children outside of the facility. Additional restrictions and safety guidelines which will be implemented and are listed at www.ccparkandrec.com (click “After Hour Kid Power”).
NEW ONLINE SIGN UP PROCESS:
Please note that by adding your information to the interest list you are NOT guaranteed a position for the camp until you receive a phone call from the “After Hour Kid Power” program with further instructions.
Use the drop-down menu on our registration page to select the site your child will attend.
Submit your contact information, the number of spaces you wish to reserve, and if you will or have been approved for TWC assistance.
No payment is required at this time.
The system will generate a time stamp that will allow us to determine who to call first.
Once you receive our phone call, you will have 24 hours to complete registration and make payment to secure your child’s spot.
For more information, call (361) 826-3499 or visit www.ccparkandrec.com (click “After Hour Kid Power”).
S.H.A.R.E Looking for Community Volunteers
Instead of a sit-down meal, S.H.A.R.E will be doing a drive-thru service at the First Baptist Church Kingsville’s parking lot.
Press Release
The SHARE “Community Thanksgiving Dinner” board is reaching out to those who have supported them in the past and those who would like to join in promoting a Spirit of Thanksgiving, Unity and Fellowship for the 5th annual meal.
This year’s dinner will look different because of the current circumstances of the threat of spreading COVID. Instead of a sit-down meal, S.H.A.R.E will be doing a drive-thru service at the First Baptist Church Kingsville’s parking lot.
The group is planning on donating 300 meals to those who are shut-in and are planning another 700 meals for those who will come to the drive through and pick up meals.
If you are interested in donating towards this cause or wanting to volunteer, please contact Jennifer Guyton at (361) 522-3957; Connie Cashen at (361) 522-8518; or Patti Troell at (575) 430-3112.