Stop Washing Raw Chicken — It Spreads More Bacteria Than It Removes

Water doesn't kill salmonella or campylobacter — only heat does. When you rinse chicken under the tap, contaminated water droplets splash onto your sink, countertops, nearby dishes, and even your clothes. Studies show bacteria can spread up to 3 feet from the sink.

The safe method: take the chicken out of the package, pat it dry with paper towels, discard the towels, and cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). That kills everything. Wash your hands and any surfaces that touched the raw meat with hot soapy water.