If you’re cooking a Thanksgiving meal at home, the way you handle the food before, during and afterwards is crucial if you want to avoid ending the holiday with a case of food poisoning.

Judi Van Hulzen from the Marion County Public Health Department says even home cooks have to be careful with how they handle food preparations; items should be kept separate to prevent cross-contamination, and cleanliness is a must.

She tells KNIA/KRLS News food poisoning cases this time of year are often blamed on restaurants, but are more likely to develop in the kitchen at home.

“Usually it takes at least 72 hours for food poisoning to set in, not always but usually; and it can take as many as six days, depending on what kind of bacteria we’re talking about,” Van Hulzen says.

“So make sure wherever you go, whether it’s out and about or whether it’s in your house, wash those hands really, really good. Replace your serving plates often, refrigerate those leftovers and keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.”

For more tips on handling your Thanksgiving food safely, tune in to today’s edition of Let’s Talk Knoxville.