Meghan Markle, the former Suits actress, is facing a barrage of criticism after a Thanksgiving cooking video she posted on Instagram sparked concerns about her kitchen hygiene practices. In the video, Markle is seen seasoning and preparing a raw turkey while wearing multiple rings and bracelets, prompting some viewers to nickname her “Salmonella Sussex” and accuse her of jeopardizing food safety.
The clip, set to Bob Dylan’s “Turkey Chase”, was captioned with a playful holiday joke, but the online backlash was far from light-hearted. Commenters expressed disgust at Markle’s decision to handle raw poultry with her jewelry on, citing the risk of bacteria contamination and cross-contamination.
Critics on X quickly took to social media to voice their concerns, with one user questioning, “Meghan, what in the ‘Salmonella Sussex’ is going on here?!” Another remarked, “I don’t know anyone who wears their rings and bracelets when handling food. Especially a turkey. Guaranteed spread of bacteria.”
The backlash intensified as viewers pointed out the potential for spreading bacteria by touching surfaces after handling raw poultry. One Twitter user emphasized the importance of careful poultry handling and frequent hand-washing to avoid cross-contamination.
The criticism comes on the heels of Markle’s warm Thanksgiving message through her lifestyle brand, As Ever, where she expressed gratitude for her supporters and reflected on her family’s holiday celebrations. Despite the heartfelt message, the attention has shifted to the controversial cooking video, overshadowing the festive sentiment.
As the video continues to circulate online, reactions remain divided, with some finding amusement in the situation while others express frustration. The unexpected controversy has become the week’s most talked-about holiday kitchen mishap, sparking a debate on proper food safety practices and hygiene in the kitchen.
