Doctor explains why you should ‘never’ wash your chicken before cooking it.
August 1, 2025•3 min read
Washing raw chicken before cooking it? It’s a habit passed down in many households—but according to a medical professional, it’s one that should be left in the past.
Dr. Sam, known as @drsamuelgp on TikTok, recently went viral for a video urging people to ditch the risky tradition of rinsing chicken in the sink. And despite the medical logic behind his advice, not everyone was on board.
Washing your chicken isn’t exactly the best idea healthwise (Getty Stock Image)
“Your mum or dad probably did it, maybe you do too,” Dr. Sam said. “But washing chicken with just water can actually make things worse, not cleaner.”
Here’s why he’s sounding the alarm—and what you should be doing instead. 👇
🧫 The Risk of Contamination Is Higher Than You Think
According to research by the USDA, washing chicken can lead to bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter splashing up to 80cm around your kitchen sink. That means anything nearby—salads, fruits, utensils—could get contaminated.
Not all of the doctor’s followers were convinced by his warning (Getty Stock Image)
Even if you plan to disinfect your sink afterward, those flying droplets may have already landed elsewhere, increasing your risk of foodborne illness.
Here’s the good news: You don’t need to wash your chicken to make it safe.
Cooking poultry thoroughly to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) kills any harmful bacteria present on the surface. So unless you’re eating it raw (which we strongly advise against), washing is just an unnecessary step with added risk.
✅ Safer Alternatives You Can Do Instead
Dr. Sam recommends a few safer ways to handle your chicken before cooking:
Pat it dry with paper towels, then throw them away immediately.
Blanch it briefly in boiling water and discard the water.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
“Wash your hands, not your hen,” he jokes. “Because it’s not worth getting diarrhea just to feel like you’re cleaning it.”
🗣️ But What If You Just Clean Your Sink After?
Some followers pushed back, saying they’d just clean their sink afterward. But as experts at the CDC explain, cross-contamination can happen faster than you think—and once it spreads, disinfecting might be too late.
🍗 Final Thoughts
Changing old habits can be tough, especially ones we picked up from family. But when it comes to your health, trusting the science is the smarter move.
So next time you’re prepping dinner, remember: Cook your chicken—don’t rinse it. Your gut will thank you.
