Housekeeping · Kitchen food safety

Do not wash raw chicken: prevent sink cross-contamination

Rinsing raw poultry can spread germs; improve separation, cooking and cleanup steps.

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The US CDC advises that raw chicken does not need to be washed before cooking; rinsing can spread germs onto sinks and nearby surfaces. Keep raw poultry away from ready-to-eat foods and check doneness with a food thermometer.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Keep raw chicken separate during shopping and refrigerate it in leakproof packaging on a lower shelf.
Do not rinse raw chicken before cooking: splashes can spread germs to the sink and nearby ingredients.
Do not reuse a raw-chicken board, tongs or plate for produce or cooked food before proper cleaning.
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling poultry, and clean work surfaces and tools.
Use a food thermometer in the thickest part to verify poultry reaches 165°F (74°C).
Never put cooked chicken onto a plate that held raw chicken, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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