Turkey Basics: Make Sure Your Thanksgiving Feast Is Safe

Eating a bad Thanksgiving bird can ruin your holiday in a hurry.

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The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service suggests how to ensure that your turkey is properly cooked and prepared:

· Take in account factors that influence how long your turkey will take to cook, from its size to its storage temperature.

· Completely thaw the turkey before cooking.

· Roast it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

· Use a roasting pan of 2 inches to 2.5 inches deep.

· If you stuff the turkey, make sure stuffing is loosely packed inside.

· Check the temperature of both the stuffing and the turkey with a food thermometer; temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Make sure the turkey cooks long enough, and allow 20 minutes before carving.