Washing chicken improperly can spread deadly bacteria

Washing raw chicken before cooking gives bacteria from the chicken a chance to spread to your hands, clothes and kitchen utensils.

According to a study by Drexel University (USA), raw chicken contains many bacteria that can cause serious health complications such as salmonella and listeria. The habit of washing raw chicken before cooking will increase the possibility of spreading harmful bacteria rather than cleaning them. Drexel research leader Dr. Jennifer Quinlan told Davidwolfe: "Washing chicken before cooking does not remove bacteria but inadvertently spreads bacteria around, causing poisoning."

Quinlan warns that washing chicken will splash water around, spreading bacteria to your hands, stove, clothes, and cooking utensils. "Remember, bacteria like listeria that live on chicken can kill you. If listeria gets into your bloodstream, the mortality rate is very high, especially in children, whose immune systems are weaker than adults."

Washing chicken meat spreads bacteria around. Photo: Drexel University.

Dr. Quinlan further warned that salmonella is an extremely dangerous bacteria that can lead to death if not treated properly. This bacteria invades and causes diseases such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, severe dehydration, reactive arthritis, etc. In addition, campylobacter is a common bacteria found in raw chicken that also causes food poisoning.

Washing chicken before cooking to remove bacteria and dirt is a habit of most housewives. According to research by Drexel University, 90% of people wash chicken before cooking. Therefore, how to properly handle bacteria on raw chicken is a question of interest to many people.

Answering this question, Dr. Quinlan said that you should not wash chicken before cooking, instead just cook chicken at a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. This temperature will kill bacteria so you don't need to worry.

Also, be careful when handling raw chicken. Clean areas and surfaces where chicken is stored and keep it away from other foods.

According to VNE