So…We Shouldn’t Wash The Thanksgiving Turkey? Wash your Thanksgiving vegetables but don’t wash the bird! Food safety experts say to skip washing the Thanksgiving turkey because of the possibility of spreading germs.  Cooking the turkey should kill any germs and bacteria that might be present.  Other food safety tips for the turkey include using a thermometer to make sure the bird is fully done. Also, the turkey isn’t meant to be left out for hours after dinner. Experts say to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Do you normally wash your turkey? Will this news change how you do things this year?