Have a Safe & Happy Thanksgiving
FOR RELEASE: NOVEMBER 22, 2021
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - It's almost time for Turkey Day! Remember that holidays pose additional poisoning risks for adults and children, especially if family and friends are stopping by. Whether you gather in-person, or virtually, know we are here 24/7, even on holidays to answer your call.
Read through these tips, just in case:
- Wash your hands before handling any foods.
- Thawing a turkey at room temperature causes bacteria to grow on defrosted layers which you will then ingest, even after cooking.
- Thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator (40 degrees) which will take one day for every 5 pounds. Fresh or unfrozen turkey should not be in a refrigerator for any more than 2 days. Don’t refreeze a thawed turkey.
- Stuff turkey immediately before cooking and always remove all stuffing immediately after cooking to avoid bacteria growth. Never store the turkey with stuffing still inside.
- We remind you to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Switch them out every two hours to prevent a poisoning. In healthy children and adults, many types of food poisonings cause stomach and digestive issues.
- Do not leave unfinished alcoholic beverages out for curious children. Children are at a higher risk for dizziness, drowsiness or even severely low blood sugar which can be deadly if left untreated.
- Remind guests to put their purses out of reach of children. Guests often bring medications. Offer them a safe place that is up, away, and out of sight of children for storage.
In the case of a poisoning or for information purposes, call the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Each year our center manages more than 50,000 calls from health care providers, 911 operators, hospitals, industry, schools, and the general public in our 54-county service area.
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About Upstate New York Poison Center
Housed inside Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, the Upstate New York Poison Center is dedicated to reducing the number, cost and severity of poisonings within its designated 54-county service area as mandated by New York State Law. The Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to both health professionals and the general public at 1-800-222-1222.
About Upstate Medical University
SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, is the only academic medical center in Central New York. It is also the region's largest employer with 9,460 employees. Affiliated with the State University of New York, Upstate's mission is to improve the health of the community through education, biomedical research and health care.
