As someone who loves to cook, I am always looking for tips on how to make my dishes even better. So, when I came across an article recently that claimed that washing chicken before cooking it is actually a bad idea, I was intrigued.
Of course, we all know that we need to wash our hands after handling raw chicken. But is it really necessary to wash the chicken itself?
It turns out that there are a lot of different opinions on this subject. Some experts say that washing chicken is a good way to remove bacteria and make sure that your food is safe to eat. Others say that washing chicken can actually spread bacteria around your kitchen and increase the risk of food poisoning.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what the experts have to say about washing chicken. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of washing poultry before cooking it.
Why Do Some People Wash Chicken?
For many people, washing chicken before cooking is simply something that they’ve always done. It’s what their mothers and grandmothers did, so they see no reason to change now.
Others may believe that washing chicken is necessary to kill bacteria and make the meat safe to eat. However, it’s important to note that cooking chicken to the proper internal temperature will kill any bacteria that may be present.
Still, some people prefer to give their chicken a quick rinse before cooking it, just to be on the safe side.
What the Experts Say About Washing Raw Chicken
So, what do the experts have to say about washing chicken? Is it really necessary?
USDA: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) actually recommends against washing chicken. According to the USDA, washing poultry can actually increase your risk of food poisoning.
The agency explains that when you wash chicken, water droplets can splash and spread bacteria from the chicken onto other surfaces in your kitchen. This includes your countertops, sink, and even your utensils.
CDC: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises against washing chicken for the same reasons as the USDA.
The CDC explains that washing poultry under running water can cause bacteria to splash onto other surfaces in your kitchen. This increases the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
FSIS: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a branch of the USDA, also recommends against washing chicken.
The FSIS is responsible for ensuring food handling and preparation safety in the United States. The agency states that pre-packaged chicken is already washed and does not need to be washed again before cooking.
Bottom line: After looking at what the experts have to say, it seems clear that washing chicken is not necessary. In fact, it may even increase the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
If you’re still worried about bacteria, remember that cooking chicken to the proper internal temperature will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.
So, the next time you’re getting ready to cook chicken, skip the wash and focus on cooking it to perfection instead!
Reasons Why You Should Wash Your Chicken
Even though the experts say that washing chicken is unnecessary, there may be some situations where you still want to give your chicken a rinse.
Removes dirt or debris:
Store-bought chicken is thoroughly washed and cleaned before packaging. However, if you notice any dirt or debris on your chicken, washing it can help to remove these contaminants.
Farm-fresh chicken:
Farm-fresh chicken may not be as clean as store-bought chicken. You may find lingering dirt, feathers, or other debris on the chicken. In this case, washing the chicken can help to make it cleaner and safer to eat.
Personal preference:
If you simply feel better about washing your chicken before cooking it, there’s no harm in doing so. Just remember to take proper food safety precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wash Your Chicken
Even though washing chicken is a personal preference, there are some good reasons to avoid washing your chicken. We’ve already looked at some of the risks associated with washing chicken, but let’s take a closer look at why you may want to skip the rinse.
Cross-contamination:
As we’ve already mentioned, one of the biggest risks associated with washing chicken is cross-contamination.
When you wash chicken, water droplets can splash and spread bacteria from the chicken onto other surfaces in your kitchen. This includes your countertops, sink, and even your utensils.
To kill bacteria:
If you’re thinking of washing your chicken to kill bacteria, you may want to think again. Washing chicken with water will not kill the bacteria present on the chicken.
The only way to kill bacteria is to cook the chicken to the proper internal temperature. So, if you’re worried about bacteria, focus on cooking your chicken properly instead of washing it.
Conclusion
After looking at what the experts have to say, it’s clear that washing chicken is not necessary. In fact, it may even increase the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
If you’re still worried about bacteria, remember that cooking chicken to the proper internal temperature will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.
So, the next time you’re getting ready to cook chicken, skip the wash and focus on cooking it to perfection instead!