Buzz
While the USDA may not be your first thought for Thanksgiving prep, they have a dedicated hotline for all your food safety concerns. Add 1-888-MPHotline to your contacts to be the Thanksgiving hero—and yes, they'll be answering calls even on the holiday.
This service is formally known as the Meat and Poultry Hotline, offering assistance year-round for questions about meat, poultry, or eggs. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, but on Thanksgiving, they’ll be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET.
If you prefer not to call, they’re also available via email. Send your questions to [email protected] or use the live chat feature at Ask USDA.
They've already addressed many of your typical Thanksgiving queries, which are available through the website or as recorded responses on the hotline, even after business hours. These include questions such as:
How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge? (1 to 2 extra days, based on a thawing process of about 1 day for every 5 pounds.)
Is it safe to stuff the turkey the night before? (No, it’s best not to.)
What’s the proper temperature for cooking turkey? (325°F is the minimum safe oven temperature. Internal temperatures vary based on personal preference, but the standard is 165°F.)
How long is leftover turkey safe in the fridge? (3 to 4 days, assuming it's been properly refrigerated.)
You can also find answers to additional food safety questions here. And while you're there, discover why the pop-up timer in your turkey is unreliable and why it’s best to ignore it. (Your turkey won’t be unsafe, just overcooked.) Feeling prepared? Go ahead and roast that bird.
