In news that can only be described as “go away from me with this, Apollo,” a new Thanksgiving PSA has Black people everywhere feeling some type of way. And when we tell you why, you’ll more than understand and likely respond in kind.
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Published on Monday, the Associated Press decided to send a friendly cooking reminder for folks getting ready to whip out their turkeys and dress them all up for the holidays. However, as with nearly any dish you’re cooking, food safety is always important to keep in mind. So, that’s why it was important enough for the outlet to remind us all not to wash any of our poultry, less we run the risk of getting harmful bacteria everywhere or ingesting it and getting food poisoning.
“Don’t rinse your turkey, chicken and other poultry. Food safety officials say raw birds often carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning, including salmonella. Those germs are common in healthy poultry and are legally allowed to be on raw meat,” the Black woman host said. “Washing your turkey might seem cleaner but it can actually spread those germs around your sink, your countertop and other food.”
Now if you know anything about our culture, a.k.a. the Black culture— we always wash our meat. Whether its with lemon and vinegar or some other tried and true concoction, those proteins are going to get a little rinse down. In fact, it’s such a widely known and accepted practice within our community that many online found it odd that the AP would use a Black woman reporter to send this very un-Black message.
And like you would expect, as her comments began making its rounds on social media, Black people online were quick to point out the not-so-subtle shade of it all.
“I’m not sure why they would have a Black lady doing this PSA knowing good and well Black People soak our raw meat in salt and rinse. We play zero games and we make sure the meat isn’t red or pink. We do not play games,” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
“As for my Black house, not only are we washing our poultry, but we are SOAKING our poultry. And afterwards, we thoroughly clean our kitchen. Problem solved,” said another.
One user made it plain, writing: “Using a black woman to push an anti-black “health” concern in 2025?! We are still going to wash our poultry in a bowl with diluted vinegar and fresh lemon/lime juice, then disinfect/sanitize the surfaces, kitchenware, and utensils we used after. NOW, STAY OUT OF OUR KITCHENS!”
Added another, “It doesn’t matter that y’all used a Black woman for this PSA, some kinfolk are gonna clean their poultry regardless. Just let this one go.”
Straight From 
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