Planning on a spectacular Christmas dinner with turkey, duck or goose? Take care as every year many people fall ill after eating food that isn't being prepared, cooked or stored properly.

Officers at East Cambridgeshire District Council Commercial Team, Environmental Services and the Food Standards Agency are giving advice on how to defrost, cook and store a turkey to make sure that food poisoning doesn't spoil anyone’s Christmas.

Some of the basic tips include:

• Don’t wash your turkey - up to 80% of people significantly increase the risk of food poisoning by washing their turkeys before cooking them.
• Make sure your turkey is cooked thoroughly. Cut into the thickest part of the bird to check that none of the meat is pink and ensure that the juices which run out are clear.
• Use your leftovers safely. If you’ve stored cooked turkey in the fridge, eat it within two days. If you want to make your turkey leftovers last longer, put them in the freezer within one to two hours of cooking.
• Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before preparing food and after handling raw meat or poultry.  Make sure your worktops and utensils are clean and disinfected.
• Check your fridge is at the right temperature – below 5°C – to stop germs from growing. Don't pack the food too tightly as the cold air needs to circulate to cool your food.
• Defrost fully. If you buy a frozen turkey, make sure that the turkey is fully defrosted before cooking it. It can take as long as 48-hours for a large turkey to thaw.
• Use different chopping board and knives for raw meat and foods that are ready-to-eat, like cooked meats, salads and raw vegetables, and ensure they are cleaned between each use.

Elizabeth Bailey, Principal Environmental Health Officer, said: “Cooking a Christmas dinner can be a challenge but need not end up with stomach aches or illness if people follow the simple tips. For example, no one would normally eat food that hasn’t been thoroughly defrosted or cooked properly so please don’t make an exception over the festival season. The tips are simple to follow and will ensure everyone can enjoy their Christmas with their families and friends.”

On Monday 23 December, experts from Love Food Hate Waste and the Food Standards Agency will be answering questions on leftovers, turkey and food safety. Send questions to @foodgov or @LFHW_UK using the hashtag #FestiveLeftovers

For more information on turkey defrosting and cooking times log onto www.eastcambs.gov.uk and www.food.gov.uk