Should You Rinse Raw Chicken Before Cooking It?

Rinsing raw chicken before cooking is a common practice for many home cooks. However, according to recent recommendations from health and food safety experts, rinsing or washing raw poultry is not necessary and may actually increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Why Do People Rinse Raw Chicken?

There are a few common reasons why someone may choose to rinse or wash raw chicken before cooking:

• To remove blood slimy residue, or other visible contaminants from the surface of the meat. Some find these aesthetically unappealing.

• A belief that rinsing will help remove bacteria like salmonella from the chicken

• A habitual practice passed down from older family members or cooking traditions.

• To rinse off any odors from the packaging or processing,

While these reasons are understandable, experts advise against washing for safety reasons.

Potential Risks of Rinsing Raw Chicken

It may not seem dangerous to rinse chicken, but it can actually make cross-contamination more likely in the kitchen. Here’s why:

• Splashing Water Spreads Bacteria – The splashing water from the tap can spread bacteria from the raw chicken around the sink, countertops, and surfaces up to 3 feet away. Any bacteria present in the chicken juices can quickly and easily spread.

• Does Not Remove Bacteria – Washing raw poultry does not effectively remove or kill pathogens like salmonella. These bacteria can contaminate throughout the meat, not just on the surface. Rinsing cannot remove the bacteria present internally in the tissues.

• Recontamination Can Occur – After rinsing, any bacteria left on kitchen surfaces can be transferred back onto the chicken if it touches those contaminated areas again before cooking.

According to the U. S. USDA, the only way to completely kill pathogens like salmonella that are found in food is to cook it the right way. Washing with water alone cannot fully disinfect raw chicken.

Expert Recommendations Against Washing

Due to these risks, health and food safety organizations uniformly recommend against washing raw chicken. These include:

• USDA – According to the USDA, you shouldn’t wash or rinse raw chicken as of right now. In the sink or by soaking in vinegar solutions are some ways to do this.

• FDA – The U. S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also says not to rinse raw chicken or other poultry. It cites the risk of cross-contamination to sinks and counters.

• CDC – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns against washing poultry, and notes it offers no benefit in killing germs. Only proper cooking can kill foodborne pathogens.

• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) – The public health organization NSF International also advises against washing raw chicken for food safety reasons.

• UK Food Standards Agency – In the United Kingdom, the Food Standards Agency has warned against washing poultry, citing risks of campylobacter bacteria spreading in kitchens.

With numerous health organizations aligned on updated food safety guidance, most experts today recommend skipping rinsing altogether.

Safer Alternatives to Washing Chicken

Rather than rinsing raw poultry, experts recommend these safer options to help reduce foodborne illness risks:

• Use a Clean Work Surface – Always prepare chicken on a clean, sanitized cutting board and work surface that hasn’t touched other foods. This prevents cross-contamination.

• Use Separate Utensils – Use a clean knife and utensils just for handling the raw chicken. Don’t reuse them for cooked chicken or other foods without washing first.

• Wash Hands Before and After – Be diligent about hand washing before and immediately after handling raw chicken. Lather with soap for 20 seconds.

• Cook Thoroughly – Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. This kills any potentially harmful bacteria present.

• Refrigerate Promptly – Refrigerate or freeze chicken within 2 hours of purchasing. Store in sealed packaging at 40°F or below.

The Takeaway

While rinsing raw chicken was once recommended, updated guidance now advises against this practice. Washing raw poultry under running water can easily spread bacteria around the kitchen. Instead, experts recommend skipping the rinse and focusing on proper handling, cooking, and storage. With safe food preparation habits, raw chicken can be handled safely and cooked to eliminate foodborne pathogens.