'Turkey tips' to avoid Christmas food poisoning

Festive food poisoning is one thing people won't be asking Santa for at Christmas.
And Northampton Borough Council's public protection team has issued a series of practical steps to help residents avoid a bad stomach over the festive period.
Every year some 280 people in Northampton get ill from food poisoning, but the council's advise should make sure there are no after effects from your turkey dinner.
The public protection team is urging people to follow five 'top turkey tips' as issued by the Food Standards Agency:

• If you buy a frozen turkey ensure it's completely thawed before you cook it by checking there are no ice crystals in the cavity. Also use a fork to test the thickest parts of the meat. A larger turkey can take up to two days to defrost entirely.
• Don't wash your turkey before cooking. Washing is more likely to splash any bugs on to worktops, dishes and other foods. Proper cooking will kill them more effectively than washing.
• Plan your cooking time properly. Follow the cooking times and other instructions on the label or, as a general guide, for a turkey under 4.5kg allow 45 minutes per kilo plus 20 minutes; for one weighing between 4.5kg and 6.5kg 40 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes; and for those over 6.5kg 35 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes. All at 180°C, 350°F, Gas Mark 4 (after the oven has preheated).
• Check the turkey is cooked properly by cutting into the thickest part of the meat. None of the meat should still be pink and any juices that run out should be clear. Finally, the meat should be steaming hot all the way through.
• It is best not to cook your turkey with stuffing inside as it slows down the cooking process considerably.

Bob Martin, a food safety expert at the Food Standards Agency, said: "Don't let food poisoning ruin your Christmas. Be sure to leave plenty of time for your turkey to defrost and cook properly.
"Many of us aren't used to cooking such large poultry, but just remembering and sticking to the basic rules should mean food poisoning is one less thing to worry about over Christmas.
"One of the most common mistakes people make when preparing their turkey or chicken is washing the bird before they cook it.
"Our research has shown that 80 per cent of us who cook a turkey at Christmas wash it before cooking.  This isn't necessary and can be harmful.
"Washing your turkey can splash bugs around the kitchen and proper cooking will kill them anyway."