Washing meat: A needless risk in kitchen hygiene practices
Before preparing a meal, many people decide to wash meat under running water. But is this the correct practice? Check if you should wash meat before consumption.
31 October 2024 10:54
Meat is a staple in many countries 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 brings up 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 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 nearby. It can land on countertops, kitchen utensils, and even our clothes. Bacteria, usually killed at high temperatures during cooking, can spread throughout the kitchen and cause serious food poisoning.
The best way to remove harmful 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: Ensure you use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other products. After finishing your work, wash all used tools and wash your hands thoroughly. Avoid washing meat to prevent accidentally transferring bacteria to other surfaces.
Proper storage of raw meat in the fridge is also extremely important. It should be placed in a closed container to prevent juices from leaking and minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
Instead of washing meat, focus on proper heat treatment. Cooking, stewing, or baking meat at temperatures above 71 degrees Celsius is the most effective way to eliminate pathogens. Remember, the cooking process, not washing, guarantees the safety of the prepared dish.
Additionally, if you want to thoroughly remove physical contaminants, you can gently wipe the meat with a paper towel. Such a towel should be discarded afterwards to avoid spreading bacteria.
