Here’s Why You Should Never Wash Chicken Before Cooking It
If you’ve always washed your chicken before cooking, it might be time to reconsider this potentially hazardous habit.
The question of whether to wash chicken before cooking has been a topic of debate for years. Food safety experts now strongly advise against washing raw chicken, as it can spread harmful bacteria and increase the risk of cross-contamination. Proper handling of raw chicken is essential to prevent foodborne illness, and it’s equally important to ensure that the chicken is fresh and hasn’t spoiled before preparing it.
Many people wash chicken to remove germs or sliminess, but this practice doesn’t eliminate harmful bacteria like Campylobacter or Salmonella, which are commonly found in raw poultry. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing chicken can actually make the situation worse by splashing bacteria onto sinks, countertops, and even clothing.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that the only way to effectively kill bacteria is by cooking the chicken to the correct internal temperature. This guideline also applies to other meats and fish. Chicken should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F, which can be checked using a meat thermometer. A reliable method for determining if chicken is done can be particularly helpful.
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