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Deadly Thanksgiving Turkey

BY BUCK QUAYLE

An improperly prepared or stored turkey can be deadly.

A student at Lihikai School in Kahului-James Kakakauwila, 12-died Nov. 28 after eating Thanksgiving leftovers.

According to Dr. Alice Broadhurst, Maui district health officer, the death was caused by salmonella "E" poisoning which developed due to improper storage.

In an effort to inform the public of the proper methods of cooking and keeping such leftovers, Dr. Broadhurst worked with Bonnie Tuell, Maui Electric Co. nutritionist.

Together, they prepaired a brochure, financed by Maui Electric, which is being distributed at stores and restaurants on Maui and Molokai.

Dr. Broadhurst suggests that hands and cutting boards be washed with soap and water. After use, the cutting board should be soaked in a mixture of two tablespoons of chloride bleach in one gallon of water.

If the bird has been frozen, she suggests the best way to thaw it is in the refrigerator. With a four- to eight-pound bird, this would take a day or a day and a half. With a 24-pound bird, this would take three and a half days.

If the bird is purchased late, leave the wrapping on and place it in a sink of cool water. In this manner, a 24-pounder would defrost in 10 hours.

Do not leave the unwrapped bird exposed to the air to thaw.

After thawing, remove the giblets and neck as soon as possible. Cook these immediately in water and regrigerate. Rinse the bird inside and out. Make the stuffing just before cooking.

Heat the oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit and roast the bird until a thermometer registers 185 degrees fahrenheit in the thickest part of the inside thigh.

Serve at once, or immediately remove the stuffing and refrigerate them separately.