THE MOST DANGEROUS FOOD ON YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

Matt Case - November 13th, 2025 

SEATTLE  — Food safety experts say the star of the Thanksgiving table — the turkey — can also be the biggest troublemaker if it’s not handled correctly.

From thawing to stuffing to roasting, mistakes in the holiday rush can quickly turn a perfectly planned meal into a case of food poisoning. And because most people only cook a turkey once a year, experts say the margin for error is higher than we like to admit.

One of the biggest hazards? Letting the bird linger. Even if it’s cooked flawlessly, leaving a turkey out on the table after the football game increases the risk of bacteria growth. As tempting as it is to circle back for a second round of “post-game picks,” food safety officials say that’s where a lot of families get into trouble.

In short: Prep it right, cook it hot, and don’t let it sit out long enough to become an overtime risk.