Fixit: Organic, free-range turkeys go outdoors

Q Where can I find a turkey that has been raised without hormones? Would this be an organic turkey?

A All turkeys grown for consumption in the United States are hormone-free. No hormones have been approved for use in turkeys. Sometimes, FDA-approved antibiotics are used to help suppress microorganisms and prevent disease. Before being processed, however, the turkey must undergo a withdrawal period after the last dose of antibiotic.

To be labeled organic, turkeys must be fed organic feed and have access to the outdoors. They are not given antibiotics.

For free-range turkey, the producers must demonstrate to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service that the turkey has been allowed access to the outside.

FROM WWW.EATTURKEY.COM

Fireplace time

Thanksgiving often is the beginning of the holiday fire season. Before lighting the fireplace:

• Be sure the chimney and hearth have been cleaned to remove creosote, which can build up and cause chimney fires. (If the fireplace is used regularly, this should be done at least yearly; less frequently if the fireplace is used less often.)

• Burn only seasoned or hardwood in the fireplace. This will help minimize creosote buildup in the chimney. Burning small, controlled, hot fires rather than smoldering fires also will help keep creosote under control.

• Clean out the firebox at least once a week when using the fireplace regularly, but leave an inch of ash in the bottom to act as insulation. (Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the firebox as coals can stay hot for several days after extinguishing a fire.)

• Before removing ash, open the damper so loose ash is drawn up the chimney rather than out into the room.

• Place a carbon-monoxide alarm in any room with a fuel-burning fireplace, and another alarm near bedrooms.