Say what now? The CDC is advising people NOT to wash their raw chicken!
And you better believe Black Twitter is questioning the CDC and everything their grandmama taught them.
Last week, the CDC tweeted: “Don’t wash your raw chicken!” The tweet explained that doing so could spread germs.
Don’t wash your raw chicken! Washing can spread germs from the chicken to other food or utensils in the kitchen. https://t.co/QlFpd1alG3 pic.twitter.com/bLB1ofcuh7
— CDC (@CDCgov) April 26, 2019
A link provided in the tweet explained that raw chicken can be contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens bacteria, which can spread to utensils, countertops, and other food and cause foodborne illnesses.
The tweet sparked a debate as the tweet made its rounds because it contradicted what many were taught while growing up and still practice as adults.
— Why So Serious??? (@ChefOrrin) April 27, 2019
So we’re suppose to just “cook off” all that gunk from it sitting in a maxi pad for god knows how long? Eating left over feathers and bone dust ??. I’ll continue washing mine and not getting sick from “spread germs”. Y’all enjoy.
— Autumn (@MissAuty_Baby) April 26, 2019
Only people that don’t wash raw chicken, look like raw chicken
— King Sarah ? (@Asap_chuang) April 27, 2019
— Zora Neale Hurston's Ghostwriter (@Breyionna) April 30, 2019
I know the CDC is in Atlanta but the southern black delegates will continue to wash their chicken.
— Rahma (@DrowninInnit) April 29, 2019
All y’all agreeing….imma find ya job and email them to let them know not to let you cook for the potlucks pic.twitter.com/hWbEwP4cIK
— – poetic nae ? (@soul_reloaddd) April 29, 2019
I rebuke this.
Where the Caribbean folk at with the hot water, vinegar & lime that the ancestors who lived to be as old as Sarah & Abraham been using?
Some of us just disinfect better.
Next thing you know y’all will be telling us not to season our food to live longer. pic.twitter.com/v1GwvIhtAC
— Samantha Sophia (@RaisingSelf) May 1, 2019
This still gon be me tho pic.twitter.com/kfBxOK56DA
— Hect XI.I (@WhaTheHect) April 29, 2019
Because of the controversy, the CDC posted a follow-up tweet a few days later, doubling down on the matter.
“Kill germs by cooking chicken thoroughly, not washing it,” it advised. “You shouldn’t wash any poultry, meat, or eggs before cooking.”
We didn’t mean to get you all hot about not washing your chicken! But it’s true: kill germs by cooking chicken thoroughly, not washing it. You shouldn’t wash any poultry, meat, or eggs before cooking. They can all spread germs around your kitchen. Don’t wing food safety!
— CDC (@CDCgov) April 29, 2019
Despite the advice, Black Twitter was still hesitant, with many stating that washing raw chicken makes them feel safe and that they adequately wash any utensils and surfaces after handling the raw poultry.
Sorry, I follow the rules of my 92-year old mother’s kitchen. They haven’t failed me yet.
— Myrna Manners (@myrnamanners) April 27, 2019
Leaving these right here. pic.twitter.com/5ADC8gp5U1
— AMW? (@MarWilks) April 28, 2019
Oh no, I will continue to wash it then soak with salt and lime juice thank you
— A-A-Ron ?? (@RICHinLOVE_) April 26, 2019
@CDCgov we don’t wash our chicken we rinse it 😉
— jexxy (@itsjexxyy) April 30, 2019
No thank you CDC! I was my meat with vinegar and lemon juice, clean my sink and kitchen with bleach and soap. Really!!!!!
— Leoniy White (@LeonieWhiteLW) May 1, 2019
In game of the CDC VS OUR ANCESTORS, Ancestors for the win! Thanks for the concern.
— Bernadette Davis (@AnalogGirl71) May 1, 2019
Whether Black Twitter wants them or not, the CDC also provides several tips to prevent food poisoning when handling raw chicken.
The tips include, but are not limited to:
- Place chicken in a disposable bag before putting in your shopping cart or refrigerator to prevent raw juices from getting onto other foods.
- Wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling chicken.
- Do not wash raw chicken. During washing, chicken juices can spread in the kitchen and contaminate other foods, utensils, and countertops.
- Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, cutting board, or other surface that previously held raw chicken.
- Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing chicken and before you prepare the next item.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftover chicken within 2 hours (or within 1 hour if the temperature outside is higher than 90°F).
