Why You Should Never Wash Raw Chicken—and What to Do Instead

When it comes to preparing chicken, many home cooks have been taught to rinse raw poultry before cooking it, believing that washing it can help remove bacteria or dirt. However, food safety experts and health organizations, including the USDA and the CDC, strongly advise against washing raw chicken. In fact, washing raw chicken can pose a significant health risk. Let’s break down why you should never wash raw chicken—and what the safer, more effective alternatives are.

The Dangers of Washing Raw Chicken

1. Cross-Contamination Risk

Washing raw chicken doesn’t remove harmful bacteria—it can actually spread it around your kitchen. Chicken can harbor harmful pathogens like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium perfringens, which are often present on the surface of raw poultry. When you rinse chicken under running water, droplets containing bacteria can splash onto countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and other kitchen surfaces, creating a serious risk of cross-contamination.

The CDC reports that the water droplets from washing raw chicken can travel up to 3 feet, contaminating areas you may not even think about. This can easily lead to foodborne illnesses if these bacteria come into contact with foods that aren’t being cooked or properly cleaned afterward.

2. Washing Doesn’t Remove Bacteria

Washing raw chicken with water does not effectively remove bacteria. These pathogens are firmly attached to the chicken’s surface and cannot simply be rinsed away. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria, which is the only truly effective way to make it safe to eat.

3. Bacteria Can Spread in the Sink

Your kitchen sink is one of the germiest places in the house. When you wash raw chicken, bacteria can linger in the sink, creating a breeding ground for further contamination. Even if you clean your sink afterward, small amounts of bacteria can persist and transfer to other foods you prepare, leading to potential foodborne illness.

4. Increased Risk of Illness

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends