Should You Rinse Raw Chicken Before Cooking It?
Question: Are you supposed to rinse raw chicken before cooking it?
Answer: No — in fact, it's not a good idea at all.
The United States Department of Agriculture advises against the practice of rinsing poultry or meat before cooking it. The problem is that when you rinse raw chicken, you’re allowing the bacteria that is present on the surface of the poultry to spread to everything else that’s nearby — including sink and counter surfaces, kitchen utensils and any other foods that might be within spattering range of the rinsing water.
And as the USDA also points out, any bacteria present on the chicken’s surface will be destroyed if you cook the poultry properly and thoroughly.
See Also:
Do You Have to Thaw Frozen Chicken Before Cooking It?
How Long Does Thawed Chicken Last in the Fridge?
Can You Safely Eat Chicken That's Been Frozen For Two Years?
