Should meat be washed before cooking?

In the kitchen, there are basic rules that we cannot ignore: wash your hands before preparing anything, rinse the rice, and heat the oil well, among many others. However, there are many doubts about whether raw meat should be washed before cooking it, so we have taken it upon ourselves to investigate this topic and let you know once and for all if meat should be washed or not.  Before diving into this important topic, we must remember that hygiene in the kitchen is essential to keep us healthy, as improper handling of food can lead to stomach illnesses and the growth of bacteria and mold, so pay close attention! You may also read: Should chicken be washed before cooking?  Should meat be washed? Experts from the US Department of Agriculture state that raw meat should not be washed, regardless of whether it is beef, chicken, pork, or fish.The main reason for not washing raw meat is that the protein may contain bacteria, and by using running water, these could end up on other surfaces, utensils, and foods, potentially causing illnesses such as salmonellosis.  Additionally, the Department of Agriculture explains that we should not use soap or any other chemicals to wash or rinse raw meat, as these substances could contaminate the product we are going to eat later.  Finally, US authorities also emphasize the importance of preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen, as washing meat can contaminate the entire kitchen and make us sick. On the other hand, the plants where this food is processed implement safety and hygiene measures, so it is unnecessary to soak or clean the meat.  If you still feel that you must wash the meat, what you can do is use some paper towels to dry the protein. Once you have cut or seasoned the meat, make sure to wash the cutting board and knife well with water and a mixture of soap and bleach. Continue reading: Should eggs be washed before cooking? Cleaning tips in the kitchen It is common that after spending so much time in the kitchen, we assume that we are experts and that there is nothing new to learn, but the reality is that we take many things for granted, so we give you these tips to keep your kitchen free from all kinds of bacteria. Experts from the USDA indicate that we should wash our hands with soap and water before and after handling food, cooking, and eating.  Another very important point is to keep your entire kitchen clean, especially surfaces, as this is the only way to eliminate bacteria and germs. So clean with soap and water and then disinfect with a special product. Finally, make sure to handle all your food correctly: disinfect strawberries and lettuce, wash your fruits and vegetables, and keep everything refrigerated. You might also be interested in: How to wash different vegetables? Kiwilimon Tip Remember to keep your food separated in the refrigerator, as this is the only way to avoid dreaded cross-contamination. For example, if you have a bag of chicken next to tomatoes and onions and the chicken bag breaks and juices spill out, all your food could be contaminated with salmonella, so our advice is to keep everything in containers to avoid accidents.  Now that you know why you should not wash meat and have learned other ways to keep your kitchen free of bacteria and germs, don’t forget that at kiwilimón we have the best cooking and cleaning tips, follow us on all our social networks!