Don't forget to follow safe food preparation practices when cooking up your Thanksgiving meals this weekend.

Southern Health Sante Sud dietitian Angela Tucker says it's important to handle food carefully, and especially popular Thanksgiving poultry options, as there is potential for food to become dangerous if mishandled.

"Many Canadians serve poultry like turkey, chicken or duck at Thanksgiving," Tucker says. "These along with other high risk foods can put a family at risk if they're not properly prepared, cooked or stored."

Tucker says there are many steps to follow to ensure your food remains safe, beginning with clean hands. When it comes to thawing your bird, Tucker advises it should be done in cold water.

"Change the water regularly too, you don't want to thaw anything at room temperature," says Tucker.

When it's time to cook your meat or poultry, Tucker says it's important to ensure a safe internal temperature of 82C is reached, that way all harmful bacteria is eliminated. She also advises cooking items separately to avoid cross-contamination.

"It's also best to cook stuffing in its own separate container, or in a dish or stovetop," Tucker explains.

Even leftovers have to be handled with care. Tucker says when the meal is done leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours, and when reheating them, ensure it's to a temperature of at least 74 C. She adds gravy needs to be reheated to a full boil.

Tucker notes following these steps will ensure a safe Thanksgiving meal. More information on proper Thanksgiving meal preparation is available here.