Should you wash meat before cooking it?
For many people, washing raw meat before cooking it is a long-standing kitchen habit. But does rinsing raw meat actually make it safer to eat?
For generations, many households have rinsed raw meat before cooking it. The reasoning seems simple: if raw meat may contain bacteria, surely washing it first will remove some of those germs and make the meat safer to eat.
However, is this really true?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 'raw chicken is ready to cook. It doesn't need to be washed first'.
Another publication, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also discourages rinsing raw meat before cooking it.
Safe way to deal with bacteria
CDC states that rinsing chicken under the tap can cause juices containing harmful bacteria to splash onto sinks, countertops, utensils and other food.
'Bacteria, if present on the surface of meat or poultry, are easily destroyed by cooking at the proper temperature,' states the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The most recommended way of removing bacteria from the meat is to thoroughly cook the meat.
Whether you are frying, baking, broiling, boiling or grilling meat or poultry, cooking it properly can kill harmful germs and make it safe to eat.
More safety measures for handling raw meat
If you are handling raw meat, there are several important food-safety measures to follow.
Proper handling, preventing cross-contamination and cooking meat thoroughly are far more important when it comes to food safety.
Below are simple, yet effective methods of handling raw meat:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw meat.
- Avoid using a strong stream of water, as this can cause contaminated droplets to splash around the kitchen.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect the sink and surrounding surfaces after handling raw meat.
- Wash utensils and surfaces after they have come into contact with raw meat.
- Use a separate cutting board for raw meat.
- Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from foods that are ready to eat.
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