Is washing raw chicken safe? I’ve heard conflicting information about this. Some people say washing chicken removes harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, making it safer to cook and eat. Others claim that washing chicken actually spreads bacteria around your sink, countertops, and nearby food, potentially increasing the risk of food poisoning. They argue that the cooking process itself should kill any bacteria present. What are the scientifically-backed pros and cons of washing raw chicken, considering factors like bacterial spread, effectiveness of cleaning, and potential health risks? And, are there safer alternative methods to prepare raw chicken for cooking that effectively minimize the risk of contamination and foodborne illness?

Answer

Washing raw chicken is generally not safe and is not recommended.

Here’s why, with details:

• Spread of Bacteria: Raw chicken often contains bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. Washing it does not kill these bacteria. Instead, the force of the water splashing from the sink can spread these bacteria up to three feet around the sink area, onto countertops, utensils, clothing, and anything else in the vicinity. This is known as cross-contamination.

• Increased Risk of Foodborne Illness: The widespread contamination caused by washing raw chicken significantly increases the risk of foodborne illness. Even if you meticulously clean the sink area afterward, some bacteria may remain, posing a threat to anyone who uses the kitchen.

• Ineffectiveness: Washing does not effectively remove bacteria from the chicken. The bacteria adhere to the surface of the meat and are not easily washed away by water.

• Cooking Kills Bacteria: Proper cooking to the correct internal temperature is the only effective way to kill harmful bacteria present on raw chicken. Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. For whole chicken, the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C). For chicken breasts, ensure the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Better Alternatives: Instead of washing, focus on safe food handling practices:

  • Separate: Keep raw chicken separate from other foods, especially ready-to-eat foods, to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken.
  • Clean: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw chicken. Clean and sanitize all surfaces that have come into contact with raw chicken.
  • Chill: Refrigerate raw chicken promptly to slow bacterial growth.
  • Cook: Cook chicken to a safe internal temperature using a food thermometer.
• Government Recommendations: Food safety agencies like the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) strongly advise against washing raw chicken due to the increased risk of spreading bacteria. They emphasize that proper cooking is the best way to ensure safety.