Should You Wash the Turkey Before Cooking It?

It’s a common question that arises every Thanksgiving – should you wash the turkey before putting it in the oven? Many home cooks instinctively want to rinse raw poultry under running water to remove bacteria and make it “cleaner” before cooking. However, experts warn against this practice as it can actually spread germs and bacteria throughout your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll explore whether you should wash your turkey or not, why washing is not recommended, and the safest practices for preparing your bird for the oven.

The Case Against Washing the Turkey

The strong consensus from food safety experts at organizations like the USDA, CDC and FDA is that you should NOT rinse your turkey before cooking. Here are three major reasons why

It Doesn’t Remove Bacteria

Washing a raw turkey in your sink won’t remove or kill pathogens like salmonella and campylobacter These bacteria are present throughout the turkey’s tissues and washing can only remove some surface bacteria Cooking to the proper internal temperature is the only way to kill bacteria completely.

It Spreads Germs

Washing causes water and bacteria from the turkey to splatter around your sink and neighboring surfaces. This “cross-contamination” can spread germs to utensils, counters, and other foods prepared in the same area.

It’s Ineffective

Studies show washing makes little difference in the levels of bacteria present on poultry. The USDA states that “it’s impossible to wash all bacteria off” and “cooking (not washing) destroys bacteria.”

For these reasons, food safety guides unanimously advise against washing turkey or other raw meat and poultry

Safest Practices for Handling Turkey

While washing is not recommended, you should take other steps to handle, prepare, and cook your turkey safely:

• Use Separate Cutting Boards: Use one surface for raw turkey and another for ready-to-eat foods. This prevents cross-contamination.

• Wash Hands and Surfaces: Wash hands, utensils, sinks, and counters with hot soapy water before and after handling raw turkey.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Cook turkey to an internal temp of 165°F to destroy bacteria. Check temperature in thickest part of breast and innermost part of thigh.

• Refrigerate Promptly: Store turkey at 40°F or below and use within 1-2 days. Freeze if longer storage needed.

• Thaw Safely: Thaw frozen turkey in fridge, cold water, or microwave. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Stuff Carefully: If stuffing turkey, stuff loosely just before cooking and use thermometer to ensure 165°F in center of stuffing.

• Clean Up Spills: Use paper towels to soak up raw turkey juices. Discard soaked paper towels and disinfect area.

Following these simple practices can help protect you and your family from food poisoning this Thanksgiving.

Should You Brine the Turkey?

While washing a turkey is risky, marinating it in a salt-water brine provides big benefits for safety and flavor. Brines infuse flavor and moisture while killing surface bacteria through the salt.

If brining, food safety experts recommend these steps:

• Brine turkey fully submerged in refrigerator, not on counter.

• Rinse off brine thoroughly before cooking.

• Sanitize sink before rinsing turkey to avoid splashing bacteria.

• Discard used brine and sanitize containers, sinks, and surfaces after rinsing.

So while you shouldn’t wash an unbrined turkey, it’s fine to rinse a brined one as long as proper precautions are taken.

Turkey Washing Myths and Facts

There are many myths surrounding washing turkeys. Here are some common ones dispelled:

Myth: Washing removes germs and bacteria.

Fact: Washing only removes some surface bacteria while risking spreading it around kitchen.

Myth: Turkeys are washed during processing so it’s fine to wash again.

Fact: Poultry plants use spray washing to remove debris and oil, not bacteria. The USDA still warns against washing.

Myth: You only need to wash turkeys bought directly from farms.

Fact: Store-bought turkeys are processed under sanitary standards and shouldn’t be washed.

Myth: Vinegar or lemon in the wash water helps kill bacteria.

Fact: These don’t have a significant effect on safety. Proper cooking is needed to destroy bacteria.

Myth: As long as you clean up properly, washing turkey is fine.

Fact: Washing still risks splashing and spreading bacteria to hands, surfaces, foods, etc. It’s best avoided.

The evidence clearly shows that skipping the wash and following other safety steps is the wisest choice for handling your holiday bird.

The Verdict: Don’t Wash That Turkey!

While giving a turkey bath may seem intuitively cleaner, food safety experts overwhelmingly advise against washing raw poultry due to risks of cross-contamination. Any bacteria removed are negligible compared to what’s destroyed by thorough cooking.

For a flavorful and bacteria-free turkey, skip the wash and instead follow proper storage, thawing, stuffing, cooking, and cleaning practices. Use a meat thermometer to verify the turkey reaches 165°F internally before serving. With proper handling, your holiday bird can grace the table without putting your family at risk.

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