Cooking meat is, for many, a simple process, but there is a common gesture that can turn preparation into a source of risk: washing the meat before putting it on the stove. Although it may seem like a hygiene measure, this habit can increase the risk of cross-contamination and spread bacteria across countertops and utensils.
Washing meat: a hidden risk
Many people rinse raw meat before cooking, whether it’s a steak or larger cuts, believing that this eliminates impurities.
According to the Tasting Table website, which specializes in gastronomy, simple contact of water with raw meat is enough to contaminate the space where it is prepared, including cutting boards, cloths and utensils.
Studies, such as the one from the University of Michigan, confirm that washing meat does not eliminate microorganisms and that the use of detergents or soap can even worsen the problem.
How to prepare meat safely
The meat should only be seasoned and heated, as cooking destroys any bacteria present. It is essential to immediately clean all utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with raw meat, as well as washing your hands thoroughly.
These precautions significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination, one of the main ways of transmitting bacteria in the home kitchen.
Greater risks in raw foods
Attention to hygiene is not limited to meat. Food safety experts consulted by Fox News warn that packaged salads, ready-to-eat fruits and cold cuts can present high risks of E.coli and Salmonella. Bryan Quoc Le, a food scientist, explains that leafy vegetables and other foods consumed raw go through fewer bacterial control steps, which increases the likelihood of contamination.
Personal hygiene and utensils
Tina Marinaccio, also a food safety specialist, reinforces that properly cooked meat does not pose a danger to healthy people, but warns that inadequate hygiene of hands, cutting boards and utensils is one of the main causes of contamination.
Correct use of gloves and frequent hand washing are essential measures to prevent food risks.
Avoiding washing meat before cooking is a simple and effective measure to protect your health. Attention to cleaning surfaces and utensils, combined with proper cooking, ensures that the meat reaches the table safely.
According to , this gesture, combined with good hygiene practices, is enough to eliminate the majority of bacterial threats in the home kitchen.
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