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Kitchen

Why Washing Raw Chicken Is a Bad Idea

Rinsing raw chicken does not make it safer. Water hitting the surface can instead spread raw poultry juices onto the sink, nearby counters, utensils, or foods that will not be cooked. USDA specifically recommends against washing raw poultry because of that cross-contamination risk.

Proper cooking is what destroys harmful bacteria on poultry. Keeping the raw chicken contained, cleaning anything its juices touch, and checking doneness with a food thermometer is the safer routine.

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