[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]

This Year You Get To Cook
The Holiday Bird

You stare blankly at this 15-pound, two-legged creature wondering, "Now what do I do?"

From turkey to shrimp, there is someone waiting to help you. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and various private companies offer food safety tips to get you through the holidays in good health and taste. For tips on preparing, serving and storing food safely, here's a list of some available help:

FDA Seafood Hotline: (1-800) 332-4010
Recorded messages 24 hours a day. Consumer educators available to answer questions Monday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Eastern time. FDA also provides other consumer health information about seafood.

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: (1-800) 535-4555
Recorded messages 24 hours a day. Home economists and registered dietitians available to answer questions 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Special Thanksgiving Day hours 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time.

Butterball Turkey Talk Line: (1-800) 323-4848

HoneyBaked Ham Consumer Hotline: (1-800) 641-8290

[FDA Home Page]