Why You Shouldn't Wash Raw Chicken

Think washing raw chicken makes it safer? Think again. It turns out that rinsing your chicken before cooking can actually do more harm than good. The main concern is cross-contamination. When you wash chicken, you can splash bacteria-filled water onto your counter, sink, or even other foods. This can make you or others sick if those surfaces aren't cleaned properly afterward.

The USDA has a simple rule: don't wash your chicken. Cooking is the only sure way to kill germs. So, what should you do? First, keep your chicken cold in the fridge, away from other foods. Wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken to prevent spreading germs. If your chicken smells weird, don't bother washing it. Just throw it away. Marinating chicken? Use a bowl in the sink and clean up well afterward. And remember, your fridge's door is the warmest spot. Keep meats in the coldest parts to stay safe. Cooking chicken to 160°F (71°C) is key. Below that, you risk not killing all germs. So, let's keep our chicken and kitchens safe by following these simple rules.

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