Skip washing meat: Focus on cooking for safety
Before preparing a meal, many people decide to wash meat under running water. But is this the right practice? Check if you should wash meat before consumption.
11:19 AM EDT, October 31, 2024
Meat is a staple in many dishes worldwide. Proper handling of meat is crucial to avoid health issues after consumption. Many people choose to wash meat before preparing it for eating. This raises the question: is washing meat necessary?
Should you wash meat before preparing it for consumption?
Washing raw meat seems sensible since dangerous bacteria, such as Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella, are often present on its surface. However, washing meat is not an effective way to remove these microorganisms.
Furthermore, washing meat under running water can cause bacteria to splash onto anything within range of the stream, landing on countertops, kitchen utensils, and even clothes. These bacteria, usually killed at high temperatures during cooking, can spread throughout the kitchen and cause serious food poisoning.
The best way to eliminate dangerous microorganisms from meat is through heat treatment. Cooking or baking at sufficiently high temperatures kills bacteria, ensuring the meal is safe. It's best to skip washing meat and instead focus on proper heat treatment and maintaining good hygiene in the kitchen.
How to maintain kitchen hygiene: Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other products. After finishing your work, wash all used tools and your hands thoroughly. Avoid washing meat to prevent accidentally transferring bacteria to other surfaces.
Proper storage of raw meat in the refrigerator is also critical. It should be placed in a closed container to prevent juices from leaking and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Instead of washing meat, focus on proper heat treatment. Cooking, stewing, or baking meat at temperatures above 160 degrees Fahrenheit is the most effective way to eliminate pathogens. Remember, it's the cooking process, not washing, that guarantees the safety of the prepared dish.
Additionally, gently wipe the meat with a paper towel if you want to remove physical contaminants thoroughly. The towel should be discarded afterward to avoid spreading bacteria.
