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The holiday season is upon us, and Thanksgiving kicks off the festivities with family, friends, and incredible meals. Whether you’re preparing a home-cooked feast, ordering from a favorite restaurant, or combining both, food safety should always be a priority. The National Restaurant Association, in partnership with ServSafe® and the Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), is here to share essential food safety tips to ensure your Thanksgiving celebration is not only delicious but also safe.

Thanksgiving Made Safer with Four Essential Tips

1. Master the Art of Handwashing
   Start with clean hands! Wash thoroughly with running water, scrubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds, including under your nails and between fingers. Proper hand hygiene is vital, especially after handling uncooked meats, to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
2. Beware of Sink Contaminants
   The kitchen sink can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Be diligent about scrubbing all sink surfaces, including corners and fixtures, to prevent contamination of food and utensils.
3. Properly Manage Leftovers
   Keep leftovers safe by labeling containers with dates. As Patrick Guzzle, Vice President of Food Science at the National Restaurant Association, advises: "The seven-day storage rule is cumulative. If your leftovers have been in the fridge for four days, you only have three days left after thawing." Be vigilant with your labeling to ensure freshness.
4. Thaw Your Turkey Safely
   Avoid thawing your turkey on the counter. Instead, opt for safer methods like placing it in the refrigerator or using a microwave to prevent harmful bacteria from developing.

These steps will help you savor every bite while keeping everyone healthy this holiday season.

Let Restaurants and Caterers Do the Work

For those who want to skip the stress of cooking, New Orleans offers plenty of options. Many local restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores are stepping up to provide delicious Thanksgiving meals that make it easy to enjoy the day.

Wendy Waren, Senior Vice President of Communications for the LRA, emphasized the importance of planning ahead.

“Time is of the essence,” Waren said. “Your options are going to be much less the longer you wait.”

Local establishments are offering everything from traditional Thanksgiving spreads to charcuterie boards and desserts. Waren highlighted that eating out or catering also ensures a safe meal for your loved ones.

“One of the important things to know is that when you're putting your meal in the hands of a restaurant or a grocery store, you're in a position to serve your meal safely to your family members,” she noted.

Whether you’re dining in or bringing the restaurant experience home, New Orleans restaurants are filling the gap for families who want a stress-free holiday meal.

Thanksgiving Your Way

This Thanksgiving, let safety lead the way—whether you’re cooking at home or leaving it to the professionals. With a little preparation, thoughtful food handling, and the convenience of local dining options, you can focus on what matters most: creating memories with loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving from the LRA!