Should You Wash Raw Chicken Before Cooking? Here’s What the Experts Say
Filipinos love chicken, it’s affordable and packed with high-quality protein. Whether it’s adobo, tinola, or fried chicken, it’s a staple on every dining table. But did you know that raw chicken is one of the most common sources of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridium perfringens?
Eating undercooked chicken or food that has come into contact with its raw juices can lead to food poisoning, which can cause serious illness. That’s why proper handling and preparation are essential.
One of the most debated kitchen practices today is whether you should wash raw chicken. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises against it, stating:
“Don’t wash your raw chicken! Washing can spread germs from the chicken to other food or utensils in the kitchen.”
However, many people, including here in the Philippines, still believe washing chicken makes it cleaner or safer. Some even soak it in vinegar, saltwater, or calamansi, thinking it helps “kill bacteria.” But according to experts, these methods don’t eliminate harmful pathogens.
Marianne H. Gravely, a food safety specialist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), explained it best: “Some bacteria are so tightly attached that you couldn’t remove them no matter how many times you washed it.”
So, what should you do instead? Skip the washing and cook it thoroughly. Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C is the only way to kill harmful microorganisms. No amount of rinsing, not even with hot water, can do that.
Food Safety Reminders for Handling Chicken
• Do not wash raw chicken before cooking. Even if it’s sourced from wet markets, you can pat it dry gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture or visible residue. Discard the paper towel immediately and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
• If you’re cautious about chicken bought from wet markets, buy from trusted stalls that handle meat hygienically (use gloves or tongs). Avoid chicken that’s been left exposed to flies or unrefrigerated for long periods.
• Keep raw chicken separate from other food items.
• Use separate chopping boards and utensils for raw meat and cooked food.
• Cook thoroughly, chicken is safe to eat only when fully cooked inside and out.
If You Still Choose to Wash Chicken mWhile the CDC discourages washing, it acknowledges that some consumers may still prefer to do so. If you choose to wash raw chicken, here’s how to do it as safely as possible:
• Run water gently over the chicken to reduce splashing.
• Immediately clean the sink and the area around the sink with hot, soapy water and sanitize
them thoroughly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Learn more from the CDC about this topic:
https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/chicken.html
https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/communication-resources/washing-chicken-spreads-germs.html?utm_source
https://x.com/CDCgov/status/1121807666215518208
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