The Duchess of Sussex has found herself at the centre of a kitchen controversy after sharing her Thanksgiving preparations with followers. Meghan Markle, 44, posted a short clip to Instagram showing herself seasoning a turkey ahead of the holiday, but eagle-eyed viewers quickly spotted a potential health hazard that sparked widespread concern.
The Kitchen Controversy Unpacked
In the video that started the debate, the former actress could be seen mixing various seasonings before rubbing the mixture directly onto the raw bird. While she appeared to wash her hands after handling the meat, viewers were alarmed to see she kept all her jewellery on throughout the process, including rings and bracelets.
Social media users were quick to voice their concerns about this breach of basic kitchen hygiene. "I don't know anyone who wears their rings and bracelets when handling food, especially a turkey. Guaranteed spread of bacteria," one horrified commenter wrote directly on the video.
Another viewer pointed out the practical dangers, asking: "Right? Who wants crap getting stuck in your ring's setting?" while a third declared it "proof she has no idea what she's doing" when it comes to basic food handling knowledge.
Expert Warnings About Jewellery and Food Safety
The concerns raised by viewers are backed by food safety experts and official health guidance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, raw turkey and its juices can contaminate anything they touch, potentially spreading harmful germs to other food or to people.
State Food Safety outlines several reasons why jewellery shouldn't be worn while preparing food. Much like mobile phones, jewellery tends to collect bacteria and pathogens that can transfer germs. Even with regular handwashing, jewellery isn't sanitised frequently enough, allowing germs to build up over time.
The organisation also notes that wearing jewellery can inhibit the efficiency of handwashing. Even if accessories are removed before washing hands, there's still a risk of re-contaminating hands when putting them back on.
A Pattern of Kitchen Criticisms
This isn't the first time the Duchess has faced criticism for her kitchen practices. Earlier in the week, she was slammed for another potential blunder when suggesting serving yoghurt to children in delicate glass dishes.
In that clip, Meghan prepared a breakfast station that included a yoghurt parfait presented in vintage-looking coupe glasses. "All of this is great for kids," she suggested, but viewers expressed horror at the thought of giving children delicate vessels that could smash and cause injuries.
One social media user shared a personal story to emphasise the importance of proper kitchen hygiene: "My mum learned that lesson. She had to have her wedding and anniversary rings cut off her fingers because of an infection. The doctors told her all it takes is one small scratch."
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, this incident serves as a timely reminder about the importance of proper food handling procedures to ensure everyone stays safe while celebrating.
