Washing chicken before cooking is a common practice among many households. Some people believe that washing the chicken will remove bacteria and make it safer to eat. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, washing chicken can actually increase the risk of foodborne illness and pose a danger to your health. In this article, we’ll discuss why you should stop washing your chicken before cooking and what you can do instead to keep your meals safe and healthy.

The Risks of Washing Chicken

When you wash chicken before cooking, you might think that you are washing away any bacteria or germs that may be present. However, studies have shown that washing chicken can actually spread bacteria around your kitchen.

The water that you use to wash the chicken can splash onto surfaces like countertops, dishes, and utensils, spreading bacteria onto these surfaces. This can increase the risk of cross-contamination and cause food poisoning.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), washing chicken can also cause bacteria to penetrate deeper into the meat. When you wash chicken, the water can force bacteria that is present on the surface of the meat into the flesh.

This makes it more difficult to kill bacteria during the cooking process, which can ultimately lead to foodborne illness.

What to Do Instead

If you want to keep your meals safe and healthy, it’s important to stop washing your chicken before cooking. Instead, follow these tips:.

: Tips

Remove chicken from packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
Discard any paper towels or other materials immediately.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw chicken.
Clean surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water after handling raw chicken.
Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, measured using a meat thermometer.

The Bottom Line

If you think that washing chicken before cooking is a good idea, think again. This practice can actually put you at risk of foodborne illness and contamination. Instead, follow the tips mentioned above to keep your meals safe and healthy.

By taking simple precautions and cooking chicken thoroughly, you can eliminate the risk of illness and enjoy a delicious meal.