A doctor is urging home cooks to give up a long-standing kitchen habit — washing raw chicken — warning that it could be doing more harm than good.

Dr Sam, known as @drsamuelgp on the platform, told his followers that rinsing chicken before cooking can actually increase the risk of spreading harmful bacteria, despite being a common tradition passed down through families.

Why Washing Chicken Is Risky

While some people go to great lengths to “clean” their chicken before cooking, Dr Sam explained that even a simple rinse with water can cause problems.

“Your dad or your mum probably washes chicken or even you,” he said in his video. “But washing with just water alone can be dangerous and unnecessary.”

Citing a study, Dr Sam revealed that those who washed chicken in their sinks often ended up contaminating salads. This happened for three main reasons:

1. Washing in the sink spreads bacteria to the sink surface, which can then transfer to fruits and vegetables.

2. Bacteria-laden water droplets can travel up to 80cm around the sink, contaminating nearby items.

3. Many people fail to wash their hands properly afterward.

Safer Alternatives

Instead of rinsing poultry, Dr Sam suggested safer methods:

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels and dispose of them immediately.

• Briefly blanch the chicken in boiling water and discard the water.

• Focus on cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 75°C (167°F) to kill bacteria.

“So wash your hands, not your hen,” he quipped. “It’s not worth it to wing it and then get diarrhea.”

Mixed Reactions from Viewers

Not everyone was convinced. Some TikTok users commented they would continue washing chicken, claiming they clean their sinks afterward.

Dr Sam, however, stands by his warning — and says it’s a risk that’s just not worth taking.