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Episode Transcription
Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute.
Do you think washing raw turkey prior to cooking is helpful? Many consumers believe this preparation step enhances food safety. Results from a USDA study show just the opposite is true. Consumers put themselves and their families at greater risk for foodborne illness when they rinse raw poultry.
- After rinsing, 60% had bacteria in their sinks.
- 14% had bacteria remaining after cleaning their sinks providing opportunities for cross contamination.
- 26% transferred bacteria from raw poultry to ready-to-eat lettuce salads.
- After rinsing, there was also a high rate of cross contamination from the poultry to countertops.
If you would like to read more, search online for the USDA Food Safety Consumer Research Project.
This is Susie Craig from Washington State University Extension.