Do you need to wash meat and veggies before cooking them?
Avoid Washing Your Turkey, for Thanksgiving Dinner. There are a few ways to cook a turkey, but many health agencies warn not to wash it beforehand. Instead, they say drain liquid from the packaging and then pat the turkey down with paper towels. Be sure to also throw the packaging out after removing the turkey. When done with preparation, wash your hands with hot water and soap. Besides turkey, the USDA recommends not washing other types of raw meat before cooking. This includes beef, pork and poultry. The bacteria in raw meat and its juices is why the USDA recommends to avoid washing. Doing so risks the bacteria spreading to other food items and utensils. You can’t wash off bacteria with water, and rinsing out the turkey risks splashing its juices all over the sink, Consumer Reporters nutritionist Amy Keating, R.D., via food safety memo
A clinical dietitian at the Mayo Clinic has advice on handling raw foods
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Chicken and all poultry products are safe to eat at 165 degrees farenheit. Beef, pork and lamb should be cooked to 145 farenheit, and ground meats are safe to eat at 160.
By following a few simple tips, you can safely feed those you love the food you love.