Why You Should Stop Washing Your Chicken Before Cooking

Cooking habits are often passed down through generations, but not all of them are necessarily safe. One common practice that many people still follow is washing raw chicken before cooking. However, medical experts, including Dr. Sam (@drsamuelgp on TikTok), are now warning that this seemingly harmless habit could actually put you at greater risk of food contamination.

The Hidden Danger of Washing Chicken

Many people believe that rinsing raw chicken under water helps remove bacteria, dirt, or slime. Some even go as far as washing their chicken with lemon, vinegar, or salt to ‘clean’ it. However, according to Dr. Sam, washing raw chicken does more harm than good.

🔹 Water spreads bacteria – When you wash chicken, the water splashes bacteria from the raw meat onto surrounding surfaces, including your sink, countertops, and utensils.

🔹 Bacteria can travel up to 80cm – Studies have shown that bacteria-laden water droplets can travel nearly a meter from your sink, contaminating nearby fruits, vegetables, and kitchen tools.

🔹 Cross-contamination risk – If bacteria from raw chicken end up on your salad, cutting board, or dish towels, you could unknowingly ingest harmful pathogens like Salmonella or Campylobacter, leading to food poisoning.

What You Should Do Instead

Rather than washing chicken before cooking, experts recommend safer alternatives:

✅ Pat it dry – Use a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, then discard it immediately.

✅ Blanch it – If you want to clean your chicken, blanch it in boiling water for a few seconds before cooking.

✅ Cook it properly – The most effective way to kill bacteria is to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). This eliminates all harmful pathogens, making washing completely unnecessary.

"Wash Your Hands, Not Your Chicken"

Dr. Sam strongly advises, “Wash your hands, not your hen.” Instead of rinsing raw chicken, focus on washing your hands properly with soap and warm water after handling raw poultry. This helps prevent cross-contamination and keeps your kitchen bacteria-free.

Despite these warnings, some people still insist on washing their chicken, arguing that they can clean their sink afterward. However, why risk spreading bacteria at all when it can be avoided?

So next time you’re in the kitchen, skip the sink and go straight to cooking—your stomach will thank you later! 🍗🚫