Should You Rinse a Raw Turkey Before Cooking It?
Question: Are you supposed to rinse a raw turkey before cooking it?
Answer: No — according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s not a good idea to wash or rinse a raw turkey before cooking it. The problem is that when you rinse raw turkey, bacteria present in the poultry’s raw juices can spread around the kitchen and contaminate everything else that’s nearby — including other foods, kitchen utensils, and countertops.
When handling raw turkey, be sure to wash hands, utensils, the sink, and anything else that comes in contact with raw turkey and its juices with soap and water.
See Also:
How Long Can You Keep A Thawed Turkey in the Fridge?
Is it Safe to Refreeze a Thawed Turkey?
How Long Can Cooked Turkey Sit Out Before It Becomes Unsafe To Eat?
