It’s widely understood among even amateur chefs that eating uncooked chicken poses serious health risks due to dangerous bacteria like salmonella and E.coli. This can lead to food poisoning – unless the poultry is properly cooked through.
In a bid to provide additional protection against these pathogens, some people remain adamant about rinsing their raw chicken before preparation. Nevertheless, a Spanish butcher has now shared his perspective on this method.
El As Carnicero, a meat specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, frequently posts culinary advice and recipes for his TikTok audience. In one clip, he explained his reasoning for discouraging the washing of poultry prior to cooking.
In the video, he recalled an encounter with a customer who asked for her chicken to be placed in a plastic bag instead of wrapped in paper or on a tray, as she planned to wash it once she went home.
When El As Carnicero questioned about this choice, she expressed her desire to wash away “all the dirt and bacteria” from the poultry. However, the butcher proceeded to outline the dangers linked to washing chicken and other meat varieties.
“It can contain bacteria and, when we put it under the tap, all the water splashes can contaminate appliances, utensils, the sink… But do you know how dangerous that is?” he said.
He went on to outline the dangers linked with rinsing meat, claiming this practice can heighten the chances of contracting illnesses such as salmonella, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
Rather than washing, he recommended that viewers ensure the meat is properly cooked until the internal temperature exceeds 73.9 degrees Celsius, stating: “That will eliminate everything. But please, don’t wash the meat. Where do you get this from?”
From a food safety perspective, specialists concur with El As Carnicero. According to UK’s Food Standards Agency, it’s not advisable to rinse raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb, or veal prior to cooking as it’s not considered the most secure approach.
They explained that washing or rinsing meat can accidentally distribute bacteria throughout the kitchen, potentially resulting in food-borne ailments.
