The USDA is reminding consumers that ‘Ask Karen‘, the food safety app offered by that agency, can help you make a safe Thanksgiving dinner. In addition, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline (1888-674-6854) offers bilingual help.
Ask Karen has a searchable database of almost 1,300 questions submitted by consumers, along with the answers. The app is available in English and Spanish. Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety said, “a delicious meal is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving holiday, and USDA wants your meal to be as safe as it is enjoyable. Through the Ask Karen app and the Meat and Poultry Hotline, the USDA can help with food safety questions right when and where you need answers.”
The Hotline is open between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm ET on weekdays. It also offers live chat services through Ask Karen. On Thanksgiving Day, the Hotline will be open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm ET. The most popular questions include ways to thaw a frozen turkey, whether or not poultry should be washed before cooking, and how to handle leftovers safely.
