CDC Warns “Don’t wash your raw chicken!”

June 26, 2019

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned on twitter recently that washing raw chicken can result in spreading harmful bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) cautions against washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils and surfaces. This cross-contamination can cause sickness.

The CDC further recommended additional steps to ensure food safety:

• Thoroughly wash your hands before and after handling raw meat or its packaging.
• Use a separate cutting board for raw chicken.
• Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing chicken and before you prepare the next item.
• Use a food thermometer to make sure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.

To learn more USDA food safety tips click here.