My Mom Always Rinses Raw Chicken — Turns Out That’s the Wrong Move

This one flips the usual myth: washing chicken doesn’t make it safer, it makes your kitchen riskier.

Why rinsing chicken doesn’t help Heat is what kills bacteria like salmonella — rinsing under the tap does nothing to that. What it does do is splash bacteria-laden water onto counters, sponges, and nearby produce, a pattern food safety researchers call cross-contamination splash.

What to do instead Skip the rinse. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel if needed, and use a thermometer or a good cut-check to confirm it’s fully cooked.

Takeaway: the sink rinse is outdated advice — cooking temperature is what actually protects you.

FAQ Does washing chicken remove bacteria? No — it spreads bacteria via splashing rather than removing it. How do I know chicken is safe to eat? Internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F, checked with a food thermometer.