Improperly washing chicken can spread deadly bacteria.

Washing raw chicken before cooking allows bacteria from the chicken 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 increases the likelihood of spreading harmful bacteria rather than cleaning them. Dr. Jennifer Quinlan, the lead researcher at Drexel, told Davidwolfe: "Washing chicken before cooking doesn't remove bacteria; it inadvertently spreads them around, causing contamination."

Quinlan warns that washing chicken splashes water around, spreading bacteria onto hands, stovetops, clothing, and cooking utensils. "Remember, bacteria like listeria that live on chicken can kill you. If listeria enters the 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 bacterium that, if not treated properly, can be fatal. This bacterium causes illnesses such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, severe dehydration, and reactive arthritis. In addition, campylobacter, a common bacterium found in raw chicken, also causes food poisoning.

Washing chicken before cooking to remove bacteria and dirt is a common practice among most housewives. According to research from Drexel University, 90% of people wash chicken before cooking. Therefore, how to properly handle bacteria on raw chicken is a question many people are concerned about.

In response to this question, Dr. Quinlan stated that you shouldn't wash chicken before cooking; instead, simply cook it to a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Celsius. This temperature will kill bacteria, so you don't need to worry.

Additionally, you need to be careful when handling raw chicken. Clean the areas and surfaces where chicken is handled and keep it separate from other foods.

According to VNE