The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering recommendations to avoid foodborne illness and keep the holiday celebration festive.

“During this season of giving, we extend our gratitude to the first responders and our compassion and support to those who have been affected by the recent fires,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis. “As family and friends gather together, it is important we protect ourselves and our loved ones and guests by preparing foods safely. You can help prevent foodborne illness by following some simple food handling tips and cooking your turkey and other meats to appropriate temperatures.”

Each year during the holidays, the public health department investigates cases of foodborne illness that are the result of undercooked food and poor food handling practices. Typical symptoms of foodborne illness (sometimes known as food poisoning) include stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea, all of which can start hours or days after consuming contaminated food or drinks.

For healthy people, most symptoms usually go away after a few hours or days without treatment. However, foodborne illness can be severe and life-threatening in older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and those with conditions that weaken their immune systems.

Raw or undercooked meats including turkey, chicken, beef and lamb can contain campylobacter, salmonella or E. coli bacteria. Cooking meats to the proper temperature can kill bacteria, but freezing does not.

When purchasing a fresh turkey, plan to cook it within one or two days. Frozen pre-stuffed turkeys are safe because they have been processed under controlled conditions.

For information, call (888)674-6854, or visit usda.gov.