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Many people have the habit of washing chicken before roasting to get rid of bacteria and dirt. However, this practice has proven to be dangerous and, according to experts, can do more harm than good.
Why not wash the chicken? Expert explanation
According to a professor from Drexel University, washing chicken before cooking is not effective against bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria are present inside the meat, and merely rinsing with water will not remove them.
On the contrary, washing the chicken can cause you to splash bacteria all over the kitchen – onto the sink, countertops, or even onto yourself. This process increases the risk of cross-contamination and subsequent infection.
So how should you proceed?
If you feel you cannot do without cleaning the chicken, experts recommend:
- Avoid rinsing with water.
- Use a damp paper towel to gently wipe away dirt. Dispose of the paper immediately afterwards.
- Ensure proper cooking. At a sufficiently high temperature (above 75 °C), all harmful bacteria are killed.
Statistics that speak for themselves
In the United Kingdom, 280,000 people are infected by foodborne illnesses each year. One of the main culprits is improper handling of chicken meat.
How to prevent infection from chicken?
- Always thoroughly wash your hands, work surfaces, and utensils after handling raw meat.
- Use separate cutting boards for meat and other foods.
- Cook the chicken so that its internal temperature is at least 75 °C – ideally use a meat thermometer.
In conclusion: Washing chicken before roasting is not only unnecessary but even dangerous. Instead of rinsing with water, focus on proper cooking and hygiene during preparation. This will minimize the risk of infection and ensure tasty and safe food.
The professor from Drexel University doesn’t wash his chicken before roasting — and explains why?
Sure! Salmonella and Campylobacter are already in the chicken, so no amount of water will help. And if you try to clean it with water, you splash those bacteria onto yourself and your kitchen sink. You spread the infection further. So when the chicken seems cleaner after washing, it’s just a false impression. But if you feel you can’t do without water, gently clean the chicken of dirt with a damp paper towel. According to global statistics, 280,000 people in the United Kingdom are infected by foodborne illnesses.
