Like raw eggs, raw chicken can contain salmonella and other disease-causing germs. So should you wash chicken before cooking it?
For years, experts have urged caution and good hygiene practices when handling raw pieces of poultry. Many people thought they were doing just that by washing the chicken before cooking it. Then in 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they were doing exactly the opposite.
Should you wash chicken?
“Unless you want to spread germs in your kitchen that can make you sick, never wash raw chicken,” he says. Samantha Thoms, MPH, RDN, registered dietitian at Florida State University Health and Wellness Advocacy Center. “You will kill the bacteria in the chicken once you cook it thoroughly to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.”
- Use a separate cutting board for raw chicken
- Never place cooked foods or fresh produce on surfaces that previously contained raw chicken.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling chicken.
Why does washing chicken spread bacteria?
“Chicken is known to carry disease-causing germs, such as salmonella and campylobacter,” says Thoms. “When you wash chicken, contaminated water can splash onto your faucet, countertop, kitchen utensils, and even your clothes. This increases the chances of spreading germs around the kitchen and making you sick. “This is especially true for those with weaker immune systems, such as young children, older people, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.”
