Should You Wash Chicken Before Cooking?

For many home cooks, washing raw chicken before cooking seems like a necessary step to remove bacteria or surface contaminants. However, food safety experts strongly advise against this practice. While the intention is to clean the chicken, rinsing it under water can actually increase the risk of foodborne illness due to cross-contamination.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

Raw chicken naturally carries bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause serious foodborne illnesses. Washing chicken under running water does not remove these bacteria effectively. Instead, it can cause water droplets containing bacteria to splash onto surrounding surfaces, utensils, and even other food items. This increases the likelihood of contamination, which can lead to illness if those surfaces are not thoroughly disinfected.

A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that washing raw poultry spreads bacteria to nearby kitchen areas, including countertops, sinks, and even ready-to-eat foods. This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to be ingested unintentionally. Cross-contamination is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness, and avoiding unnecessary contact with raw poultry helps reduce this risk.

Proper Handling of Raw Chicken

Instead of washing, food safety guidelines recommend handling raw chicken carefully to minimize the spread of bacteria. Always keep raw poultry separate from other foods, particularly fresh produce, to prevent cross-contamination. Using a dedicated cutting board for raw meats is a good practice, and washing hands, knives, and any utensils that come into contact with raw chicken immediately with warm soapy water is essential.

When handling chicken, avoid touching other kitchen surfaces unnecessarily, and be mindful of drippings from the raw meat. If packaging leaks in the refrigerator, wipe down any affected areas with a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria.

Cooking Eliminates Bacteria

The best way to ensure chicken is safe to eat is to cook it thoroughly. Bacteria present on raw chicken are killed when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Using a food thermometer to check doneness is the most reliable method to ensure safety. Simply relying on visual cues, such as the color of the meat or the clarity of the juices, is not always accurate.

Different cooking methods can effectively achieve this temperature. Baking, roasting, grilling, or boiling chicken to the correct internal temperature ensures that any bacteria present are eliminated. It is also important to let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and prevent any potential bacterial survival.

The Myth of Washing

Many people believe that rinsing chicken removes slime or any residual processing liquids. However, rinsing will not significantly reduce any bacteria present. If there are visible impurities, patting the chicken dry with a paper towel is a safer alternative. Cooking at the correct temperature will render the meat safe to consume without the need for washing.

Some traditional or cultural practices encourage washing raw chicken before cooking, but food safety research overwhelmingly supports the recommendation to avoid this step. Instead, thorough cooking and proper handling are the best ways to prevent illness.

Best Practices for Handling Chicken Safely

• Always store raw chicken in a sealed container or on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator to prevent drips from contaminating other foods.
• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator or use a microwave. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can encourage bacterial growth.
• After handling raw chicken, wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Sanitize countertops, sinks, and utensils that have come into contact with raw chicken using a disinfectant or hot, soapy water.
• Keep separate cutting boards for raw meats and fresh produce to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• Use paper towels instead of cloth towels to clean up any raw chicken juices, as cloth towels can retain bacteria and spread contamination.

Wrapping Up

Washing raw chicken before cooking does more harm than good. The practice can spread bacteria and increase the risk of foodborne illness. The safest approach is to handle chicken properly and ensure it is cooked to a safe internal temperature. By following recommended food safety guidelines, you can reduce the risk of contamination and prepare chicken safely for you and your family. Proper kitchen hygiene and thorough cooking are the key factors in ensuring chicken is safe to eat.