A Recipe for Safety: Navigating Foodborne Illness (Like Salmonella or E. coli) Risks During Holiday Gatherings

As households across the United States begin planning their upcoming Thanksgiving feasts and holiday celebrations, hosts are urged to prioritize food safety alongside their menu preparations. The convergence of large groups, multiple dishes, and often-inexperienced cooks creates ideal conditions for foodborne pathogens to flourish. Each year, an estimated one in six Americans becomes sick from foodborne illness , with outbreaks frequently increasing during the holiday season. For vulnerable populations including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, the consequences can extend beyond a ruined meal to serious health complications.

The challenges are particularly pronounced during Thanksgiving, where the centerpiece, a large, often frozen t