Are you still washing your raw chicken? Here's why you should stop immediately
Many people think it's essential to wash raw chicken before cooking it, not least because of the pinkish liquid called "purge" in the packaging. Yet, according to a culinary expert from Perdue Farms, this practice is not only unnecessary, but also potentially dangerous due to the risk of cross-contamination (Perdue Farms, USDA source). We explain ;).
An outdated culinary habit: Why did our ancestors wash chicken?
The origins of this habit go back to a time when chicken processing procedures were far less advanced than they are today. Until the 1970s, the majority of households either killed their own poultry or hired farmers to do so. Washing removed debris, dirt and pathogens(USDA, 2024). However, with advances in the agri-food industry, commercial chicken is now carefully cleaned during processing, making this gesture obsolete. However, this practice still persists in some cultures, often passed down through old recipes (Perdue Farms, source USDA).
The dangers of washing raw chicken: An invisible risk in your kitchen
Chris Moyer, executive chef at Perdue Farms, warns against washing raw chicken:"We know it's tempting to wash chicken, but please don't." The main risk is cross-contamination. Indeed, rinse water can spread bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter onto kitchen surfaces, increasing the risk of food poisoning (CDC, 2023).
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines cross-contamination as "the transfer of harmful bacteria to food via other foods, improperly handled cutting boards and utensils"(USDA, 2024). To limit these risks, it is essential to disinfect all surfaces in contact with raw chicken and to adopt good hygiene practices.
Best practices for handling raw chicken: Adopt the right reflexes
To ensure safe handling of chicken, here are some expert tips:
- Separate foods: avoid contact between raw chicken and other foods, including its packaging and the surfaces it touches.
- Disinfect surfaces: use hot, soapy water to clean hands, utensils and work surfaces before and after handling chicken. A high-temperature dishwasher cycle is ideal for disinfecting utensils and cutting boards.
- Use a dedicated cutting board: prefer a non-porous board and use a color code (often yellow) to reserve a board exclusively for raw chicken.
Finally, to ensure safe cooking, it's essential to use a food thermometer. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C for chicken pieces and 180°F/82°C for bone-in pieces. Furthermore, raw chicken should be stored below 39°F/4°C, and should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours (USDA, 2024).
Other articles to help you avoid losing feathers:
The secrets of a healthy gallbladder: diet and key habitsThe gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, whose main function is to store bile, a digestive fluid essential for the digestion of fats. A diet rich in nutritious foods can promote its health, while excessive consumption of added sugars and saturated fats can increase the risk of gallstones and other complications....
Best diets of 2025: find out who dominated the global rankings!In 2025, the competition among different diet regimens was fiercer than ever: some diets consolidated their position at the top, while others gained increasing popularity. In this article, we will analyze the diets that have dominated the rankings.
Don't take these supplements if you're constipated!Constipation is often linked to diet and lifestyle, but did you know that certain supplements can also be the cause? Whether vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements, some of them can slow down intestinal transit and make the situation worse. Before turning to these products, it's essential to understand their impact...
Comments
Mathieu
