It might be time to reconsider this possibly dangerous practice if you’ve always cleaned your chicken before cooking it.
One of the most contentious topics in poultry preparation is whether or not to wash chicken before cooking. Experts in food safety and health now caution against it, stating that washing chicken can actually raise the danger of cross-contamination and spread bacteria. To avoid food illness, raw chicken must be handled carefully, and before beginning, make sure the chicken hasn’t gone bad.
Many people wash chicken in the hopes of getting rid of sliminess or pathogens. Although it’s true that bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter are frequently present in raw chicken, washing it with water doesn’t get rid of them. Washing chicken can make the issue worse since the water can spread bacteria to countertops, sinks, and even clothes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The USDA stresses that cooking chicken to the proper temperature is the only method to eradicate bacteria. This also holds true for fish and other meats. Using a meat or instant-read thermometer, check that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also a good tip for determining when chicken is done.
Professional chefs have differing opinions on the matter. While Ina Garten has openly declared that there is no need to wash chicken or other meats, Julia Child was an advocate of doing so. Scientific research backs up Garten’s position, and considering the possible hazards, there isn’t much justification for continuing to wash chicken outside of deeply rooted customs. Chicken has a high risk of food illness, thus care must be taken when handling it, just like with several other items that should never be cleaned before cooking.
Jennifer Quinlan, a food safety researcher at Drexel University, advised anyone who still feels the need to wash their chicken to try without doing so once and see if there is a discernible difference. Using a paper towel to pat the chicken dry can be a safe substitute if sliminess is an issue.
