CDC Video Shows How Germs From Raw Chicken Linger in Sink

Washing raw chicken before you cook it leaves germs in the sink that may contaminate fruit or vegetables you rinse there later. A new CDC video, also in Spanish, shows how germs spread when chicken is washed.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a study this week that advised against washing raw poultry, because bacteria can easily spread when surfaces are not effectively cleaned and sanitized afterward. Results from an observational study of 300 people in test kitchens showed that of the people who washed chicken, 60 percent had bacteria in their sink afterward. In addition, 14 percent still had bacteria in their sinks even after cleaning them.

For more information on how to prevent foodborne illness from chicken, read CDC’s feature. It’s also in Spanish.