Washing meat: Why skipping the rinse keeps your kitchen safe
Many people consider washing meat under running water before preparing a meal. But is this the right practice? Find out if you should wash meat before eating it.
31 October 2024 10:56
Meat is a key ingredient in many dishes in Canadian and other cuisines. Proper handling of meat is essential to avoid health issues. Many people opt to wash meat before cooking, which raises the question: Is washing meat necessary?
Should you wash meat before preparing it for consumption?
It might seem logical to wash raw meat since harmful bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella can be present on its surface. However, washing meat is not an effective method for removing these microorganisms.
Furthermore, washing meat under running water can cause bacteria to splatter onto nearby surfaces, landing on countertops, kitchen utensils, and clothing. Bacteria, usually killed at high temperatures during cooking, can spread throughout the kitchen and lead to 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 to consume. It's advisable to skip washing meat and 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 foods. After finishing, clean all tools and wash your hands thoroughly. Avoid washing meat to prevent the spread of bacteria to other surfaces.
Proper storage of raw meat in the refrigerator is also extremely important. It should be kept in a closed container to prevent juices from leaking and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Instead of washing meat, concentrate on proper heat treatment. Cooking, stewing, or baking meat at temperatures above 71 degrees Celsius is the most effective way to eliminate pathogens. Remember, it's the cooking process, not washing, that ensures the safety of the meal.
If you want to remove physical contaminants, you can gently pat the meat dry with a paper towel. The towel should be discarded immediately to avoid spreading bacteria.
