The Centers for Disease Control is asking folks not to wash raw chicken before cooking.
The CDC says fluids from the chicken can spread and contaminate other foods, utensils, and your countertops.
Staff with Driscoll Children’s Hospital say washing raw chicken is a common misconception and that you’re not really washing the bacteria away, you’re actually spreading it.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital Clinical Dietitian Christine Powell says the bacteria from raw chicken is no laughing matter.
“We can get it in the sink on other utensils things like that and spread the bacteria and then its easier to get sick,” says Powell.
Instead of focusing on washing your chicken Powell also says that the main concern is making sure you are using separate cutting boards.
One for you chicken and the other for your fruits & veggies.
Also, another major concern is making sure that your chicken is cooked all the way.
To make sure your chicken is completely cooked, the staff at Driscoll Children’s Hospital say you should use a thermometer to make sure the middle of the chicken is completely cooked.
So here’s what you can do to make sure you don’t spread bacteria.
When buying chicken from the store, place it in a reusable bag.
In your refrigerator, make sure you leave your poultry on the bottom shelf so the juices will not drip everywhere.
And of course, make sure to wash your hands before and after you prepare your meal.
