Thanksgiving Turkey Cooking Alert: Experts Now Say… don’t.
new York,NY – A growing chorus of animal welfare advocates adn food safety experts are issuing a stark warning this Thanksgiving: reconsider cooking a turkey. Citing concerns ranging from the inherent risks of salmonella and Campylobacter contamination to the ethical implications of industrial turkey farming, organizations like farm Sanctuary are actively promoting turkey-free thanksgiving celebrations. The shift comes as consumer awareness of food production practices increases and option holiday meal options gain traction.
For generations, the roasted turkey has been the centerpiece of the American Thanksgiving feast. But a confluence of factors – including documented outbreaks of foodborne illness linked to turkey products, the often-brutal conditions in which turkeys are raised, and a rising interest in plant-based diets – is prompting a reevaluation of this tradition. The call to forgo turkey isn’t about eliminating Thanksgiving, but about reimagining it with compassion and safety in mind, advocates say.
Farm Sanctuary, an association in upstate New York dedicated to rescuing farm animals, highlights the often-overlooked suffering inherent in the turkey industry. “Turkeys raised for meat are often subjected to crowded, unsanitary conditions and painful procedures,” explains Jo-Anne McArthur, a photographer documenting animal lives through We Animals. “They deserve to live out their natural lives with dignity, and choosing a turkey-free Thanksgiving is one way to honor that.”
Beyond ethical concerns, food safety experts point to the high risk of contamination. Turkeys carry Campylobacter and Salmonella at higher rates than other poultry, and improper handling during preparation can easily lead to illness. The USDA estimates that poultry causes 1 million illnesses, 10,000 hospitalizations, and 160 deaths each year.
Alternatives to the traditional turkey are plentiful.Many families are opting for plant-based roasts, ham, duck, or simply focusing on the abundant side dishes that define the Thanksgiving table.”thanksgiving is about gratitude and connection, not necessarily about a specific protein,” says a spokesperson for Farm Sanctuary.”There are countless ways to create a delicious and meaningful holiday meal without contributing to animal suffering or risking foodborne illness.”
This story was originally published in 2024 and has been updated for 2025.
