KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As families gear up for holiday feasts, the Knox County Health Department is reminding cooks that a little food safety knowledge goes a long way.

Make sure you scrub for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before and after touching food.

Clean surfaces matter just as much as clean hands. Countertops, cutting boards and utensils should be sanitized regularly to stop bacteria from spreading, according to KCHD.

Don't rinse raw meat or poultry under running water because it can cause bacteria to spread up to three feet away, KCHD said. Instead, keep raw meat, seafood and eggs isolated from ready-to-eat foods during both storage and prep work.

Thaw frozen turkeys safely in the fridge several days before cooking.

During cooking, use a thermometer in the thickest porti

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