Doctor Explains Why You Should NEVER Wash Your Chicken Before Cooking It

Absolutely! Here’s a clear, informative article on why you should never wash your chicken before cooking it, explained from a doctor’s perspective:

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## Doctor Explains Why You Should NEVER Wash Your Chicken Before Cooking It

If you’re like many home cooks, you might have grown up hearing that washing raw chicken before cooking it is an important step to remove bacteria and clean the meat. It feels natural to rinse away any “germs” and keep your food safe. However, **medical experts and food safety authorities now strongly advise against washing raw chicken**, and here’s why.

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### The Hidden Danger of Washing Chicken

When you wash raw chicken under running water, tiny droplets splash everywhere — onto your countertops, kitchen sink, utensils, and even nearby food. This splattering spreads harmful bacteria like **Salmonella** and **Campylobacter**, which can cause serious foodborne illnesses.

According to doctors and the **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)**, this cross-contamination is far more dangerous than leaving the bacteria on the raw chicken itself. Proper cooking kills these pathogens, but washing spreads them around your kitchen, increasing the risk of illness.

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### What Doctors Say

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a well-known medical correspondent and physician, explains:

“Washing chicken creates water droplets that can carry bacteria throughout your kitchen, contaminating surfaces and increasing the risk of food poisoning. Cooking chicken to the right temperature kills bacteria — washing does not.”

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