The Truth About Rinsing Raw Chicken Before Cooking

Should You Wash Your Chicken:

Health experts from major organizations like the CDC, FDA, and USDA all agree that you should not wash raw chicken before cooking it. This might surprise you if you grew up watching family members rinse their poultry under running water. 

Many people wash chicken because it seems like the clean thing to do, or because it's a habit passed down through generations. However, modern food safety science shows this practice creates more problems than it solves.

The Hidden Danger Of Splashing Water:

When you wash raw chicken under running water, tiny droplets of water splash everywhere. These water droplets can carry dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and spread them around your kitchen. 

The droplets land on your countertops, sink, nearby utensils, and even foods that you might eat raw, like salad ingredients. Studies found that 60 percent of people who washed raw chicken had bacteria in their sink afterward, even after they thought they had cleaned it properly.

How Proper Cooking Protects You:

Cooking chicken to the right temperature kills germs, making washing unnecessary. The internal temperature of your chicken needs to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy harmful bacteria. 

The only reliable way to know if your chicken has reached this temperature is by using a food thermometer. You cannot tell if chicken is safe to eat just by looking at its color or texture. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading.

Safe Chicken Handling Steps:

Instead of washing chicken, focus on these proven safety steps. First, keep raw chicken on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator in a sealed container so juices don't drip onto other foods. Second, use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other ingredients like vegetables. 

Third, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching raw chicken. Fourth, clean any surface that touches raw chicken with hot soapy water, then use a sanitizer to kill remaining germs. Finally, prepare foods you'll eat raw, like salads, before you handle any raw meat.

Making The Smart Choice For Your Kitchen:

Understanding proper food safety helps protect you and your family from illness. About one million Americans get sick from contaminated poultry each year. You can reduce this risk by skipping the rinse and following safe handling practices instead. 

Raw chicken arrives at your home ready to cook. Trust the cooking process to eliminate bacteria rather than spreading germs through unnecessary washing. This approach keeps your kitchen safer and your meals healthier.