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29 December, 2021

The Final Word On Washing Chicken

Australia’s leading chicken meat and food safety experts call on Australians to stop washing raw chicken.


The Final Word On Washing Chicken - feature photo

The Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF) and the Food Safety Information Council are concerned by new research that found that 49% of Australian cooks were washing whole raw chicken before cooking it, despite the food safety risk that it presents. 

ACMF Executive Director Dr Vivien Kite said it was necessary to remind families to handle chicken properly with all the Christmas feasting. 

“We are still seeing recipes advising cooks to wash raw chicken as part of food preparation, and with Christmas festivities just around the corner, we want this to stop,” Dr Kite said. 

“Some bacteria, like Salmonella, are part of the normal microflora of the chicken gut but can cause illness in humans if food is not handled correctly. 

“Washing raw chicken before cooking it is likely to splash raw meat juices and any bacteria that may be present around the kitchen sink, benchtop and utensils, and other raw foods, increasing the chance that you might get sick.” 

The ACMF prepared a list of tips for handling raw chicken responsibly: 

• Don’t wash raw chicken. 

• Keep raw chicken separate from other cooked or raw food. 

• Ensure your tools, utensils and chopping boards are cleaned and properly dried before you start preparing your food and ensure you clean any tools with hot soapy water after use. 

• Store raw chicken in the fridge for 1 or 2 days after bringing it home, preferably towards the back of the refrigerator and on the lower shelves. 

• Wash and dry hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken. 

• Cook chicken meat thoroughly right through, with all parts of the meat to reach at least 75°C. 

Dr Kite said that chicken makes up a significant part of Aussies’ meals, and therefore it is necessary to be informed and how to prepare it safely. 

“Chicken is the nation’s favourite meat, with Australians consuming approximately 47 kgs per person each year,’ she said.

“The festive summer season is the most popular time of the year for Australians to enjoy chicken, and we don’t want festivities to be ruined by a food safety slip-up. 

“Whether you like it hot, cold, in a roast or on your sandwich, there are plenty of reasons for Australians to enjoy chicken at Christmas, but please handle it safely,” Dr Kite said. 

To learn more about the safe handling and preparation of chicken visit, https://www.chicken.org.au/quality-andfood- safety/

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