Should You Wash Your Turkey Before Cooking?
Washing your turkey puts you at risk for cross-contamination, which can spread foodborne illnesses.
Everyone has their own turkey recipe. And whether they got it from a favorite chef or a trusted family member, they usually stand by their process for making a delectable Thanksgiving bird. But there are some do’s and don’ts that should be followed, regardless of the cooking method.
Washing your turkey before cooking is often a highly contested step in the cooking process. We’ve always learned that washing something generally makes it cleaner and safer, like your hands or countertops while cooking. But that does not hold true for raw poultry. Here’s why you should not wash your turkey before cooking, according to the USDA.
Related: How to Handle Raw Chicken Safely—Plus Why You Should Never Wash Chicken
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Why Washing a Turkey Is Dangerous
“Wash your hands, but not the turkey! Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer,” wrote Donna Karlsons, a USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service team member in a blog post. “However, it’s virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods, and utensils.”
This is called cross-contamination, and if it happens, your guests can become ill thanks to foodborne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli. According to the USDA, if raw turkey or any of its juices come in contact with your kitchen, washing the area with hot, soapy water is important. You can also sanitize with one tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
Preparing a Turkey Safely
The only way to get that turkey free of bacteria is to cook it to an internal temperature of at least 165 °F in the thickest part of the bird—a temperature that is high enough to kill foodborne illness-causing bacteria.
And there are preparation steps you can take to lessen the risk of transferring harmful bacteria to surfaces and other foods you're making for the meal. The USDA suggests these tips:
Prepare foods you're not cooking (like vegetables and salads) before handling raw poultry.
Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces that may have been touched or contaminated by the raw poultry or its juices.
Thoroughly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling any raw meat.
Related: How Long to Cook a Turkey, in One Easy Chart
Cooking a turkey is a challenging feat. So, if you are unsure at any point in the process, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline (888-674-6854) is open weekdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET and will be available on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET, but closed on other Federal holidays. Recorded safety messages are also available 24/7.
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