Washing raw chicken is a common habit for many home cooks, often passed down through generations. While it seems logical, the CDC warns against it, stating it does more harm than good. Here’s why:

Rinsing raw chicken can spread harmful bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens through water splashes, contaminating surfaces, utensils, and other foods. These bacteria are invisible, making it hard to detect their spread and turning your kitchen into a danger zone.

Campylobacter, a leading cause of food poisoning in the U.S., can cause severe stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea. Salmonella, another common bacterium in raw chicken, leads to serious gastrointestinal issues and can pose life-threatening risks, especially for vulnerable groups.

The CDC’s advice is clear: stop washing raw chicken to keep your kitchen safer and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.