Should chicken be washed before cooking it?
By
Gretel Morales - 2023-01-24T12:12:25Z
The chicken is one of the main ingredients in Mexican cuisine, as it can be prepared roasted, fried, baked, in broth, and in a thousand other ways. However, it is important that you do not wash it before cooking the chicken recipes that Kiwilimon has for you; here we explain why. The dangers of washing raw chickenMany people wash chicken before cooking it; however, experts point out that this could have serious health consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that, on many occasions, chicken may be contaminated with the bacteria Campylobacter, salmonella, or the bacteria Clostridium perfringens. When you wash the chicken, the bacteria could spread to other surfaces through the splashing water. Remember that you can get seriously ill if you consume other foods or drinks that have been contaminated with raw chicken, as that is where 3 fearsome bacteria reside. On the other hand, if you do not cook the chicken well, you could also become ill. According to the World Health Organization, Campylobacter is among the top four causes of diarrhea worldwide and is also considered the most common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis in the world. It is worth mentioning that infections caused by this bacteria can be fatal in young children or the elderly. That is why it is very important not to wash chicken and to cook it very well. As for salmonella, like Campylobacter, this bacteria is one of the leading causes of diarrheal diseases worldwide. Although most cases of salmonellosis are not severe, they can occasionally be fatal. To avoid contracting salmonella, it is best not to wash chicken, cook it very well, and follow basic hygiene rules. The bacteria Clostridium perfringens also causes diarrhea and can sometimes lead to gastroenteritis; however, in extreme cases, it can damage the small intestine. This bacteria is found in chicken. Why should chicken not be washed?Raw chicken should not be washed with water, as it may contain the 3 bacteria mentioned above, which can transfer to other foods, dishes, and beverages due to splashing water. How to clean chicken?Before cooking the chicken, place it on a clean cutting board and wipe it with a paper towel to remove excess water. RememberRecommendations before cooking chickenPlace the chicken inside a clean, well-sealed bag, so that the juice does not contaminate other foods.Wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken.Use a cutting board solely for chicken to avoid contaminating other foods.Wash all utensils and containers that have been in contact with raw chicken.Cook the chicken very well; if it is raw, do not eat it.Another great option for cleaning chicken is CitroBiox®, a product with 100% natural disinfection power, as it eliminates viruses and bacteria such as influenza, COVID-19, and salmonella. So, to disinfect the chicken, follow these steps:Place the chicken on a clean cutting boardSpray the chicken with CitroBiox®Wait 5 minutes and you’re done, you can cook the chicken now!The best part is that CitroBiox® is non-toxic, and you don’t have to rinse it; it will save you time and effort in the kitchen!