The debate over whether to wash raw chicken before cooking has long divided kitchens, especially in households across India. However, food safety experts are now urging people to rethink this common habit, warning that it may do more harm than good.
According to global authorities like the World Health Organization and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, washing raw poultry actually increases the risk of dangerous kitchen contamination, rather than helping you cook clean.
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According to Ahana Nazar Hafis, a food safety officer from Qatar, washing chicken leads to bacterial cross-contamination from the splashing water.
Raw chicken often contains harmful bacteria such asSalmonellaandCampylobacter. When you rinse chicken under running water, tiny droplets can splash onto nearby surfaces, utensils, and even other foods. These contaminated droplets can travel up to one metre, significantly increasing the chances of cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
“Chicken looks dirty from the local shops…washing chicken is not recommended because it can spread bacteria. But I received many messages from local butchers asking about the chicken, with visible dirt, blood, feathers, or even small wood pieces. This is only for cases with visible dirt, not for routine washing. In such cases, if you still feel the need to clean it, don't wash it under running tap water. Instead, wear gloves and use a large bowl of water to gently clean it inside,” she told her followers on Instagram.
Despite these warnings, many people still feel compelled to wash chicken, especially when it comes from local markets where visible dirt, blood, or feathers may be present. Hafis acknowledges this concern and offers a safer alternative for such situations.
Instead of washing chicken under running water, she recommends submerging it in a bowl of still water. This method reduces splashing and limits the spread of bacteria. Wearing gloves while handling raw poultry further minimizes contamination risks.
If you must clean chicken due to visible debris, follow these safety steps:
To ensure food safety, chicken must be cooked thoroughly. Experts recommend heating it to an internal temperature of at least 75°C. At this temperature, dangerous bacteria likeSalmonellaandCampylobacterare effectively destroyed, making the food safe to eat.
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