Question

Should you wash or rinse raw meat or poultry before you cook it?


Yes

No

Answer 1

No. It is not recommended to wash or rinse raw meat or poultry before cooking it. Washing or rinsing raw meat or poultry can actually increase the risk of spreading bacteria, such as salmonella or E. coli, to kitchen surfaces, utensils, and other foods. Cooking meat or poultry at the appropriate internal temperature will kill any bacteria present, eliminating the need to wash or rinse it before cooking.