County Health Department Issues Holiday Poultry Safety Guidance

The Prince George's County Health Department released seasonal food safety guidance on November 20, 2025, advising residents on best practices for preparing, thawing, cooking, and storing holiday poultry. The guidance was compiled to help families reduce the risk of food borne illness during a period of increased household cooking and shared meals.

Key recommendations in the advisory include following recommended thawing timelines with refrigerator thawing guidance, and using safe cold water thawing procedures while changing the water every 30 minutes. The department also advised removing neck and giblets and drying poultry properly before roasting to improve cooking performance and reduce surface contamination. When possible the guidance recommended baking stuffing separately, and stressed prompt refrigeration of leftovers, including removing meat from bones and refrigerating gravy and meat to limit bacterial growth.

For Prince George's County families these steps matter because incorrect thawing and delayed refrigeration are common contributors to food borne illness, which can disproportionately affect children older adults and people with weakened immune systems. By emphasizing simple actions such as changing water regularly during cold water thawing and refrigerating leftovers promptly the health department aimed to reduce preventable illnesses that can lead to missed school and work, increased doctor visits and greater pressure on local health care resources.

The advisory also raises questions about equity and access. Households without reliable refrigeration or safe thawing space face extra challenges in following recommended timelines and storage plans. Public health experts say that practical safety guidance must be paired with community support so that residents who lack adequate storage can still prepare meals safely. Local clinics food banks and community centers may play a role in helping households access refrigeration or receive food safety education.

The health department compiled the tips for families preparing holiday meals and made them available to the public on November 20. Residents with concerns about food borne illness or who need further guidance are advised to consult county health resources and local health care providers for assistance.