Should I wash raw chicken?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to cook chicken the way your mom taught you, rinsing it in the sink first, but you heard that may be a bad idea.

Everyday mishaps add up.

Causes & evidence

USDA advises not washing raw poultry; it spreads germs. See food storage times.

What to do

1. Don't rinse.
2. Cook to 165°F.
3. Clean surfaces.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: rinsing raw poultry, which can splash bacteria around the sink and counters. Cooking to 165°F kills bacteria, so washing doesn't make it safer. Use a separate cutting board for raw meat. Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds after touching raw meat. Clean and sanitize the sink and counters afterward. Use a food thermometer in the thickest part. Pat chicken dry with paper towels if needed, then throw them away. Cross-contamination is a major cause of foodborne illness. Avoid putting cooked food back on a plate that held raw meat. Wash cutting boards in hot, soapy water. Replace worn cutting boards with deep grooves. Wash your hands again before touching other foods.

Speed Man tip: Use a separate board.

Wrap-up: Don't rinse. 165°F. Clean.