The USDA is encouraging Thanksgiving Masters of the Kitchen to not wash the turkey before cooking it. Meredith Carothers with the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline says that splashing water can spread bacteria.
If you have questions, the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 888-MPHOTLINE(888-674-6854). Listeners can also go online to Ask.USDA.gov. The Hotline will be staffed Thanksgiving day from 7 AM to 1 PM CST.
