By now, everyone should understand the massive fire risks associated with Thanksgiving. Between turkey fryers and losing control of what’s on the stove, Thanksgiving Day reigns as the most common day for home-cooking fires. Please remember that this is not a funny commercial or an internet meme. Cooking safety needs to be a priority over all the distractions on this busy holiday.
Speaking of cooking safety, food poisoning is another one of the most common insurance claims made during the Thanksgiving holiday. This one is not as publicized, but the risk of sending one of your guests to the hospital for food poisoning is not insignificant. Are you sure you are serving properly cooked food? If someone does get sick, do you have the right policy to cover their medical expenses?
What Food Poisoning is Caused by Turkey?
According to the CDC, undercooked turkey is likely to cause foodborne illnesses from Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, or Campylobacter. The common early symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. Typically, the worst outcomes of these symptoms are dehydration, stomach cramps, fatigue, weakness, and several days of illness.
In more severe cases, food poisoning can lead to kidney damage, brain or nerve damage, pregnancy loss, ongoing autoimmune issues, or death. While the recoverable symptoms of food poisoning are awful, the most serious effects are permanent. It cannot be overstated that food safety should always be taken seriously.
Though undercooked meats pose the biggest risk, other food issues can make people sick at your Thanksgiving gathering. If food is undercooked, or it was improperly cooled or stored, it can pick up bacteria that causes stomach distress. This includes stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, casseroles, and desserts. Unfortunately, if one person gets sick, the entire meal usually needs to be thrown away to prevent anyone else from ingesting something harmful.
How Can I Prevent Food Poisoning on Thanksgiving?
Remember that once the food is in your home on Thanksgiving, it is your responsibility. As the homeowner, consider putting yourself in charge of the turkey. This way, you can ensure that it has been properly thawed, handled, stuffed, and cooked before serving. Use a food thermometer to verify that your turkey has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and where the wings and thighs join to the body. Be sure to apply this practice to birds that are cooked in the oven, in a smoker, or in a fryer, and also test the temperature of the stuffing.
If guests are bringing sides, reheat them to 165 degrees before serving. Consider assigning dishes that do not need to be reheated to guests that are traveling from the farthest away. After your meal, portion leftovers into smaller containers and move them into the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Eat leftovers within 4 days, or freeze them. Always reheat the leftovers to 165 degrees before serving again.
Does My Insurance Cover Food Poisoning?
If someone does get sick during or following your Thanksgiving meal, your homeowner policy will provide coverage. Your policy should cover medical expenses and the damages awarded in a lawsuit. If you will be hosting a large crowd this year, it’s a good idea to review your coverage with your insurance agent. You might need to increase your coverage limit or add an umbrella policy that protects you from costs that exceed the personal liability policy.
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner, Friendsgiving dinner, or any celebration should be a great opportunity for you to relax and enjoy your guests. The best way to make that happen is to plan for and prepare your meal with safety in mind.
If you aren’t clear on your risks or liabilities, contact us before you host your next party. Smyrl Insurance works closely with homeowners to make sure you know exactly what your policy covers. We educate, nurture, and empower you to understand your insurance policies so that you can entertain your guests with confidence. We serve clients for homeowner, property, umbrella, and other types of insurance needs in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville, and throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.