Washing chicken before cooking has been a traditional practice in many cultures for a long time. But, recently, experts have been spreading the word that washing chicken could be hazardous to your health.

It is important to consider whether it is genuinely safe to wash chicken before cooking. This article will discuss this issue in depth, offering an explanation of why some advocates warn against it and others justify it.

Why Do People Wash Chicken?

As previously stated, washing chicken before cooking has been a conventional practice in many cultures. Most individuals who wash their chicken believe that it is because chicken contains a bad odor or bacteria that needs to be removed.

Since raw chicken often has a slimy texture, many people think washing it removes this unpleasant texture from the meat. Some cooks even believe that washing chicken before cooking makes it juicier and more flavorful after cooking.

The Danger of Washing Chicken

Despite the above benefits, it is harmful to wash chicken before cooking. Washing chicken may seem like a good idea, but it actually promotes cross-contamination.

When you wash raw chicken, you increase the risk of contaminating your kitchen surfaces with hazardous microorganisms, such as salmonella and campylobacter. It can also spread undesirable bacteria to other foods that you plan to consume.

In most cases, simply cooking chicken to a high enough temperature will kill all harmful potentially pathogens.

The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure that all harmful bacteria has been eliminated that may have been present in the meat.

The Right Way to Handle Chicken Before Cooking

To protect yourself and others from getting sick, follow these steps:.

Remove chicken from the packaging and dispose of all packaging off in the trash can
Do not use chlorine or bleach or any other types of detergents to clean the raw material.
Wash hands, utensils, and cooking surfaces with warm soapy water immediately after handling raw chicken
Cook the raw chicken to a minimum of 165°F (75°C) internal temperature before consuming.

Conclusion

In summary, it is not safe to wash chicken before cooking it. Rather than washing raw chicken, handling it properly, and ensuring that it is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is critical in the prevention of infections.

By washing raw chicken before cooking, you are putting yourself and others at risk of getting illnesses that could be avoided by understanding how to prepare chicken properly. It’s vital to follow the recommended food safety protocols from food safety professionals and act accordingly.