Washing raw chicken is something many people do regularly.
However, Dr Samuel Choudhury, from Singapore, has warned against the common cleaning habit, as it can actually do more harm than good.
‘Here’s why you should stop washing your chicken. Washing with just water alone can be dangerous and unnecessary,’ Dr Choudhury explained.
‘When many people and families have “survived washing chicken”, it doesn’t mean that it is safe and harmless.
‘Not everyone exposed to bacteria in their food may be as lucky.’
To back up his statement, Dr Choudhury referenced a 2019 research that found people who washed raw chicken in their kitchen sinks ended up transferring harmful bacteria, including salmonella, to their salads.
The study, conducted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), found individuals were putting themselves at risk of illness when they washed or rinsed raw poultry.
‘The same cross contamination can occur even if you are not eating salads,’ he said.
Dr Samuel Choudhury has warned against washing raw chicken before cooking
He said that raw meat juice can spread around the sink through splashing water.
‘Washing chicken in the sink contaminates the sink, allowing the bacteria from the chicken to transfer to your fruits and vegetables,’ Dr Choudhury said.
‘Water droplets that contain the bacteria can fly up to 80cm around the sink, meaning things around it can get contaminated.’
The medical expert said another common mistake most people make after cleaning raw poultry is not washing their hands thoroughly or for long enough.
One of the best ways to handle raw chicken from the supermarket or butcher is blanching it in boiling water.
‘You shouldn’t worry about the bacteria because it will no longer be there once you cook your chicken at 75C,’ Dr Choudhury said.
However, he pointed out the blanched water should be discarded.
If you decide not to blanch, the doctor said you can simply pay the raw chicken dry with paper towels before cooking.
Dr Choudhury referenced a 2019 research that found people who washed raw chicken in their kitchen sinks ended up transferring harmful bacteria, including salmonella, to their salads
Finally, Dr Choudhury urged everyone to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw poultry.
‘Wash your hands, not your hen because it’s not worth it,’ he said, adding that the bacteria can lead to diarrhea.
‘Don’t be the one that spreads E.coli or campylobacter at home.’
Symptoms of a salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, fever, headache, stomach cramps, chills, headache, nausea, or vomiting.
According to NSW, symptoms typically start six to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and usually last for four to seven days.
His video has been viewed more than 110,000 times – with many saying they’ve never had any issues after washing raw chicken their whole lives.
‘The thing is our parents and grandparents have been washing the chickens for the longest time and nothing happened to them,’ one said.
‘Well I’m still alive half a century eating washed chicken – thank god,’ another shared.
‘I always wash my chicken and clean the entire sink and surround area. Never got sick. Do whatever works for you,’ one added.
Others said they had ‘no idea’ that bacteria could spread, with one saying: ‘Wow! I better stop washing my chicken. Thanks for the advice doctor.’