CHICAGO [Nov. 26, 2024] — The holiday season is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious meals—but it also sees a rise in cooking-related burn injuries. The American Burn Association (ABA) urges everyone to prioritize safety in the kitchen to prevent accidents and ensure a joyful celebration.
"Gathering with loved ones to prepare and share meals is a tradition. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for cooking, and with that comes a heightened risk of burn injuries, especially from frying and hot oil," said ABA’s President, Sharmila Dissanaike, MD. "Simple precautions can make the difference between a memorable holiday and a trip to the emergency room."
Cooking-related burns remain one of the most common types of household injuries, with frying accidents leading the charge. An abstract published in the *Journal of Burn Care & Research found that French fries and fried chicken accounted for over half of all cooking-related burn injuries requiring hospital admission. Severe injuries, particularly from frying turkeys, are also common during this time of year.
Key Findings:
- Turkey preparation caused some of the most severe burns, with an average TBSA (total body surface area) burn size of 23%.
- Hot grease and oil remain the leading causes of cooking-related injuries.
- Over 80% of burns caused by frying French fries and fried chicken required surgical intervention.
Safety Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Family:
- Plan ahead: Establish a 3-foot “kid- and pet-free safe zone” in the kitchen. Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills and burns.
- Use a timer: Avoid overcooking, forgetting what’s on the stove and leaving food unattended while cooking.
- Fry responsibly: If deep-frying a turkey, do so outdoors on a stable, non-flammable surface.
- Be grease-smart: Always monitor oil temperatures and never overfill the fryer.
- No water on grease fires: Keep a lid or baking soda nearby to smother small grease fires—never use water on grease fires.
“Education and awareness are key to preventing burn injuries,” said Rebecca Coffey, PhD, MSN, APRN, CBRN, chair of ABA’s Burn Prevention Committee. “By taking a few simple steps, families can protect themselves and focus on enjoying the holiday.”
For more safety tips and information on burn injury prevention, visit the ABA’s Prevention Resources page: Safe Cooking Information.
*Citation:
T A Burton, A Savetamal, Dangerous Foods: Etiology of Cooking-Related Burn Injuries Requiring Admission to a Burn Unit, Journal of Burn Care & Research, Volume 40, Issue Supplement_1, April 2019, Page S195, https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irz013.341.
T A Burton, A Savetamal, Dangerous Foods: Etiology of Cooking-Related Burn Injuries Requiring Admission to a Burn Unit, Journal of Burn Care & Research, Volume 40, Issue Supplement_1, April 2019, Page S195, https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irz013.341.
Editor’s Note
For more information about ABA, or to request an interview with Sharmila Dissaniake or Rebecca Coffey, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
For more information about ABA, or to request an interview with Sharmila Dissaniake or Rebecca Coffey, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit www.ameriburn.org.
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit www.ameriburn.org.
