Food poisoning: do not wash raw poultry meat

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MunichDangerous germs can hide on raw chicken and co. Washing the meat before processing does not help - on the contrary. The water shower actually increases the risk of infection.

Many people keep chicken under the tap before they cook it - they actually want to use it to remove dangerous germs. But anyone who washes raw poultry to remove dirt and bacteria runs the risk of spreading the bacteria all over the place. Because in the shower, small drops of water splash away from the raw meat and are sprayed onto work surfaces, kitchen utensils or clothing. The microorganisms get into other food that is not boiled - such as salad. A single drop of juice from raw poultry meat can contain enough bacteria to cause food poisoning. This is why the British Food Standards Agency advises against washing raw poultry meat under any circumstances.

Fry the poultry well

That is actually not necessary. When cooking, dangerous bacteria like Campylobacter are killed anyway. It is important to fry the duck breast, chicken thighs and Co. well. The flesh should be white to gray in color in all places and no longer shimmer pink.

Change cutting board

Caution is also advised when processing the poultry meat before frying it. Do not use knives and chopping boards for vegetables, salad or bread afterwards, but put them in the dishwasher or drain them with boiling water beforehand.

King of the diarrhea pathogens

Food germs repeatedly cause gastrointestinal infections. Campylobacter is the most common pathogen causing bacterial diarrhea. In Germany he is responsible for 70,000 food poisoning every year. The consequences are very unpleasant: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and headache can be symptoms.However, the infection can also be life-threatening, especially for people with a weak immune system and children under five. The bacteria then spread through the bloodstream and can trigger nerve disorders and joint inflammation. (away)

Source: Food Standards Agency, accessed on June 18, 2014

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