When it comes to food hygiene, many people face the dilemma of whether they should wash raw meat before the cooking process. However, there is still no clear answer to this question. Some advise against it, while others have already made it a habit and are convinced of it. According to some health authorities, pre-cleaning raw meat can spread bacteria in the kitchen area, while heat treatment eliminates germs anyway. There are also some ways to treat raw food gently before cooking by using certain home remedies. Here are some methods and facts to know to help you make the best decision for yourself despite the controversy.
Does washing raw meat actually contribute to safety?
So there are controversial opinions about how to treat raw beef, pork or poultry before cooking. In many households it is common practice to either soak the pieces of meat in vinegar and water or to rinse them in tap water in advance. In many cases, you just wash the underside of the meat juices or cure and dry the meat before cooking. Depending on the type of meat, many people put them in marinadesto enhance tasteand make the meat more tender. There are even bizarre cases in which raw meat would be washed in the dishwasher or with detergent. Actually, pre-cleaning would only be necessary if bone splinters arise after cutting.
Additionally, meat quality and flavor can deteriorate due to rinsing, with red-fleshed varieties being most affected. It turns out that washing raw meat doesn't make it sterile. It is even possible that dangerous bacteria can get throughSplashes on kitchen countertops, cooking equipment and other ready-to-eat foods. The recommended measure against cross-contamination and food poisoning is to cook the meat. This ensures that all germs are eliminated and it is safe for consumption. As a rule, sold meats are always cleaned in advance. So should you even treat raw meat before cooking?
What are the dangers of washing raw meat?
Washing beforehand carries some risks as pathogens could get into water splashes. These are not visible to the naked eye, which could cause foodborne illness if you were to wash fresh meat. So, from a food safety perspective, it is not recommended to treat such foods in this way. Most raw meat products are susceptible to contamination, and the microorganisms they contain could lead to spoilage or foodborne illness. This can be prevented by getting rid of the harmful bacteria through the most common cooking methods such as deep-frying, baking, roasting or boiling. When cooking, however, it is crucial to reach the required temperature inside the meat in order to eliminate pathogens. In this case, a meat thermometer would be recommended.
If you still want to wash your raw meat, make sure you do this in a separate kitchen sink. This allows you to prevent contact with other foods. In addition, health authorities strongly advise against using cleaning products for this purpose. The chemical substances they contain can affect the meat products and contaminate them with harmful substances. Here are some of the best heat treatment methods you can use on various types of meat.
Prevent disease risks without having to wash raw meat
Although washing any type of meat is an optional process, you should try to improve food safety through recommended cooking methods. This makes it possible to minimize any potential health risks without having to wash meat and compromise the nutritional value of such foods. Additionally, washing can also remove a significant amount of fat from the meat, affecting its flavor and texture. Read below to find out which types of meat can be heat treated instead, preferably using a meat thermometer.
- Chicken meatCook properly – The optimal cooking temperature for poultry meat at which bacteria are eliminated is 75 °C. This means you can safely prepare any variety of meat.
- Cooking ground beef or pork– The cooking process requires an approximate internal temperature of 70°C to ensure food safety when preparing minced meat. Lower internal temperatures can also be used in combination with strict food handling to achieve different degrees of doneness.
- game meatHandle safely – Most such meats are rich in blood and washing such meat increases the risk of contamination. The optimal cooking temperature inside should be approximately 75°C.
- When it comes to the preparation ofSteaksIf possible, you can first place them in a solution of household remedies such as vinegar or lemon juice and salt. However, you should remove this marinade before the cooking process to get rid of any pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, you should always cook steaks to an appropriate cooking temperature to achieve the required internal temperature.
Tips for safe handling of raw meat
When preparing any raw food, it is important to limit the contact of raw meat with surfaces and other foods. This not only improves the hygiene of your food, but also ensures that its quality and nutritional values are maintained. Minimize the risks of disease transmission by considering the following advice:
- Always wash your hands before coming into contact with food.
- Before cooking, make sure you use separate cooking utensils and cutting boards when handling raw meat and ready-to-eat foods.
- When cooking raw meat, try using a calibrated meat thermometer to check the optimal cooking temperature.
- Maintain cleanliness in your cooking area by regularly cleaning kitchen countertops, kitchen sinks, and kitchen appliances.
- If contamination is suspected, disinfect your cooking area with appropriate cleaning products such as bleach or with homemade, chemical-free cleaning solutions.
- Rinse raw foods in separate sinks, paying attention to water splashes and possible spills that could get onto other products.
- Try thatFood in your fridgestored correctly, for example by never leaving raw food directly on top of ready-to-eat food.
- Prevent raw meat from coming into contact with air by storing it in airtight containers.
