The 1 Potentially Deadly Mistake People Make During An Emergency Landing, According To Flight Attendants

Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 14:03 GMT by HuffPost Life
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Flight attendants reveal what could cost you or other passengers their lives.

The One Potentially Deadly Mistake People Make When Cooking Chicken

In the world of home cooking, chicken is a staple protein that's versatile, affordable, and packed with nutrition. From grilled breasts to roasted whole birds, it's a go-to ingredient for countless meals. However, amidst the flurry of meal prep, there's one common habit that many people engage in without a second thought—a habit that could turn a simple dinner into a health nightmare. That mistake? Washing raw chicken before cooking it. It might seem like a hygienic step, akin to rinsing fruits or vegetables, but experts warn that this practice is not only unnecessary but potentially deadly, as it can spread harmful bacteria around your kitchen and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

The reasoning behind this warning stems from the nature of bacteria commonly found on raw poultry. Chicken, like other raw meats, can harbor pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and sometimes even E. coli. These bacteria are often present on the surface of the meat due to processing and handling before it reaches your grocery store. The instinctive urge to rinse the chicken under running water is rooted in the desire to remove any visible slime, blood, or residue that might make the meat look unappetizing. Many home cooks believe this washes away germs, making the chicken safer to eat. But according to food safety authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this is a myth that does more harm than good.

When you rinse raw chicken in the sink, the water doesn't kill the bacteria—it merely splashes them around. Tiny droplets of water contaminated with these pathogens can aerosolize and spread up to three feet away from the sink. This means bacteria can land on countertops, utensils, nearby food items, cutting boards, and even your clothes or skin. Cross-contamination becomes a real threat, turning your kitchen into a breeding ground for illness. For instance, if those bacteria end up on a salad you're preparing or a sponge you use to wipe down surfaces, they could easily make their way into your meal or be ingested indirectly.

The consequences of such contamination are far from trivial. Foodborne illnesses affect millions of people each year, with symptoms ranging from mild stomach upset to severe dehydration, hospitalization, and in rare cases, death. Salmonella alone is responsible for a significant portion of these cases, often linked to undercooked or improperly handled poultry. Vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk for serious complications. Imagine a family gathering where a simple roasted chicken leads to widespread vomiting, diarrhea, and fever because of this overlooked error. It's a scenario that's all too common, yet entirely preventable.

Experts emphasize that proper cooking is the key to eliminating these bacteria, not rinsing. Poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by a food thermometer. This heat kills off harmful pathogens effectively, rendering the meat safe to eat. Instead of washing, pat the chicken dry with paper towels if you need to remove excess moisture for better browning or seasoning adhesion. Dispose of those towels immediately to avoid spreading any bacteria. Additionally, maintaining good kitchen hygiene is crucial: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw chicken, sanitize cutting boards and knives with hot, soapy water or a bleach solution, and never let raw poultry juices come into contact with ready-to-eat foods.

This advice isn't new; it's been echoed by health organizations for years. For example, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has long campaigned against washing raw meat and poultry through initiatives like their "Fight BAC!" program, which educates consumers on the four core principles of food safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. Cleaning refers to washing hands and surfaces, not the meat itself. Separating raw meats from other foods prevents cross-contamination, cooking ensures pathogens are destroyed, and chilling keeps bacteria from multiplying in leftovers.

But why do so many people still wash their chicken? Cultural habits play a big role. In some traditions, rinsing meat is seen as a standard preparatory step passed down through generations. Recipes from older cookbooks or family lore might even instruct it. Moreover, misinformation spreads easily on social media, where viral videos show elaborate washing routines that seem thorough but are actually risky. A quick scroll through cooking forums reveals debates where some defend the practice, claiming it removes "dirt" or improves taste, while others share horror stories of food poisoning traced back to kitchen splatter.

To delve deeper, let's consider the science behind bacterial survival. Pathogens like Campylobacter thrive in moist environments and can survive on surfaces for hours or even days if not properly cleaned. A study highlighted by food safety experts simulated the rinsing process and found that bacteria could be detected on various kitchen surfaces post-rinse, even after what seemed like a careful cleanup. This underscores the importance of treating raw chicken with caution from the moment it enters your home. Store it in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf to prevent drips, thaw it safely in the fridge or under cold water (without removing packaging), and always use separate tools for raw and cooked items.

For those who are particularly concerned about residues on chicken, such as the occasional feather or processing fluids, rest assured that these are not the primary health risks. The real danger lies in invisible microbes. If you're buying organic or free-range chicken, you might assume it's "cleaner," but bacteria can still be present regardless of farming methods. The solution remains the same: skip the rinse and focus on cooking thoroughly.

Shifting habits can be challenging, especially if washing has been part of your routine for years. Start small by reminding yourself of the risks each time you prepare chicken. Place a note on your fridge or set a phone reminder. Educate family members, particularly if multiple people cook in the household, to ensure consistency. Over time, this change can significantly reduce your household's risk of foodborne illness.

In addition to chicken, this principle applies to other raw meats like turkey, pork, and beef. While some might rinse ground meats or fish, the same contamination risks apply. For fish, gentle rinsing might be acceptable in some cases to remove scales, but for poultry, it's a firm no. Seafood safety guidelines often differ, but the overarching message is to minimize unnecessary handling that could spread bacteria.

Real-life anecdotes drive the point home. Consider the case of a home cook who, after rinsing chicken, prepared a fresh vegetable salad on the same countertop without thorough sanitizing. The result? An outbreak of salmonellosis that affected the entire family, leading to days of misery and medical bills. Such stories are not uncommon and serve as cautionary tales.

Ultimately, awareness is the first step toward safer cooking. By ditching the habit of washing raw chicken, you're not just following expert advice—you're protecting yourself and your loved ones from preventable harm. Next time you're in the kitchen with a package of chicken, remember: the sink is for washing dishes and hands, not your dinner. Cook it right, and enjoy your meal with peace of mind. This simple adjustment could be the difference between a delightful dinner and a dangerous mishap. (Word count: 1,048)

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The 1 Potentially Deadly Mistake People Make During An Emergency Landing, According To Flight Attendants

The One Potentially Deadly Mistake People Make When Cooking Chicken