Thanksgiving brings families together for food, gratitude and time with loved ones, but it also brings a spike in preventable holiday hazards, the Oklahoma Poison Center warns.
Before Oklahomans turn on the oven, sneak a bite of raw cookie dough or leave a purse within reach of children or pets, the center is reminding families that Thanksgiving can lead to more than a full table. Calls related to foodborne illness, alcohol exposures, medication mix-ups and chocolate-related pet emergencies often increase this time of year.
Don’t Wash the Turkey
Although many people were raised on the tradition of rinsing the turkey in the sink, federal food safety experts have advised against washing raw poultry for nearly two decades. A 2020 survey found that 78% of people still wash their turkey, unknowingly spreading bacteria throughout the kitchen.
Raw turkey may contain Salmonella, Campylobacter or Clostridium perfringens, one of the most common causes of Thanksgiving food poisoning. Outbreaks peak in November and December and often result from food left cooling on countertops for too long before refrigeration.
To keep your feast safe:
• Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, cold water or the microwave.
• Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F, checking the thickest part of the meat.
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and reheat to 165°F before eating.
The Secret Ingredients That Make People Sick
Some holiday favorites hide hazards many people overlook:
• Raw eggs. Eggnog, homemade tiramisu, hollandaise and raw cookie dough can contain Salmonella even when eggs appear normal. Use pasteurized eggs and avoid tasting raw batter.
• Flour. Flour is a raw agricultural product that may contain Salmonella or E. coli. Do not eat raw dough, even if pasteurized eggs are used.
• Chocolate. Holiday baking means more chocolate in homes – and dogs often find it first.
• Chocolate ingestion can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures and even coma in pets.
Visitors and Gatherings Raise Other Poisoning Risks Thanksgiving often means a full house – and full purses left where children and pets can access medications, nicotine products, marijuana edibles or alcohol. Children may also drink from half-finished glasses placed around the home. Alcohol poisoning in children can cause vomiting, breathing problems, seizures and unresponsiveness and requires immediate medical attention. Simple prevention steps:
• Ask guests to store purses and bags out of reach.
• Clean up unfinished alcoholic drinks promptly.
• Lock up nicotine vapes, cannabis edibles and medications.
When Things Go Wrong: Help Is Available 24/7 “Thanksgiving should be memorable for the right reasons,” said Kristie Edelen, managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Center. “If something looks off, tastes wrong or your child or pet gets into something questionable, calling us first can save time, money and panic.”
The Oklahoma Poison Center is staffed around the clock by toxicology experts who can help determine whether a situation can be safely managed at home or requires emergency care.
If someone is exposed to a potential poisoning, call 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Assistance is free, confidential and available statewide.
