ISLAMABAD: Washing raw chicken before cooking may seem like a normal kitchen hygiene practice, but experts warn that it can spread harmful bacteria across kitchen surfaces and increase the risk of foodborne illness.
According to a report published by ARY News, raw chicken may contain bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause food poisoning.
How Washing Chicken Can Spread Bacteria
When raw chicken is washed under running water, splashes can carry bacteria to the kitchen sink, countertops, utensils, walls and nearby food items. This process, known as cross-contamination, can allow harmful microorganisms to spread through contaminated hands, surfaces and other foods.
A US study cited in the report found that bacteria remained in the sinks of approximately one in seven people even after they had washed chicken and cleaned the sink. This highlights the difficulty of preventing contamination through washing alone.
Why Pakistan’s Chicken Market Requires Careful Handling
In Pakistan, many consumers purchase freshly slaughtered chicken from local markets, where visible blood or other material may remain on the meat. This can lead people to believe that washing is necessary for cleanliness.
However, washing raw chicken does not reliably eliminate harmful bacteria. Careful handling is essential to prevent contamination from spreading to other foods and kitchen surfaces.
Proper Cooking Is the Most Effective Protection
The report emphasises that thorough cooking, rather than washing, is the effective way to destroy harmful bacteria in chicken.
To reduce the risk of food poisoning, consumers should:
- Avoid washing raw chicken under running water.
- Keep raw chicken separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry.
- Clean and sanitise contaminated kitchen surfaces and utensils.
- Cook chicken thoroughly before eating.
Ultimately, safe chicken preparation depends on preventing cross-contamination and cooking the meat properly. Washing alone cannot guarantee that chicken is safe to eat.