Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

Unwanted Thanksgiving Guest - Foodborne Illness

Monday - Nov 21, 2011

This press release is from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

SPRINGFIELD - Avoid spending this holiday season feeling ill because of unwanted guests such as Salmonella, Listeria or E. coli (Escherichia coli O157:H7) bacteria. There are some simple things you can do to avoid foodborne illness.

"Two of the most important things to remember for a safe Thanksgiving feast are to make sure to fully thaw and cook the turkey, and properly wash with soap and warm water your hands, utensils and anything else that comes into contact with raw meats or juices," said Dr. Craig Conover, Illinois Department of Public Health acting director.

Read the full press relase. (PDF)