Dustin pushes Safefood seasonal message

GO on you good thing and don’t wash your turkey this Christmas!

That’s the advice from Dustin the Turkey who never washes because he knows it is just not hygienic for birds, especially those who will get a roasting over the festive season.

“I just give myself the odd spray of Lynx deodorant to keep myself fresh,” boasted Dustin yesterday when he helped promote Safefood’s message that washing birds is a tradition based on myth.

“Some people would consider I am a turncoat but I am just looking after the interests of humans as well because I am going to be a politician someday.”

Dustin, who has survived 15 Christmas seasons so far, aimed an outrageous insult at TV3 when he claimed he would use the station as a hideout. “The trick is to hide where nobody would look for you. I always use TV3,” he joked.

But, seriously, Safefood has warned that washing or rinsing poultry under the tap is likely to increase risk of the spread of germs including campylobacter - the most common bacterial cause of diarrhoeal illness.

Safefood’s science and technical director, Dr Thomas Quigley, said consumers should simply place the bird on a baking tray and place it in the oven.

“All harmful germs will be killed by cooking the bird thoroughly, leaving the meat safe to eat,” he said.

Safefood also advised consumers to carefully dispose of poultry packaging, especially if a leakage of juices has occurred.

“If you think the bird really needs cleaning, use a paper towel and dispose of it,” said Dr Quigley.