The dangers of washing chicken: how to avoid food poisoning

Many people may think that washing chicken is good. Nothing is further from reality. Washing raw chicken increases the risk of a food poisoning.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has long warned that washing chicken before cooking increases the risk of the spread of the disease. bacterium campylobacter on hands, work surfaces, clothing and kitchen utensils from splashing water droplets.

However, many people continue to make the same mistake.

When you put the chicken under the tap, it is common for it to end up splashing everything around it. In this way, the bacteria can end up passing into our body through, for example, a knife that we had near the sink.

Not everyone thinks about this. According to the FSA, 44% of people in the UK wash chicken before cooking. The most cited reasons for doing so were to remove dirt or germs, or because they had always done it.

The enteritis due to campylobacter It is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. Especially when traveling, which has led to it also being known as traveler’s diarrhea.

The infection is usually due to the consumption of raw poultry, fresh vegetables or unpasteurized milk.

This bacteria is spread by eating or drinking infected food and, according to the MedlinePlus site, can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Sequelae of infection

Most people are only sick for a few days, but it can cause long-term health problems.

The irritable bowel syndrome and the Guillain Barre syndromewhich attacks the peripheral nervous system, can arise as a result of an infection with this bacterium.

It can also cause death. People most at risk are children and older adults.

Normally the treatment for an infection with this bacterium consists of drinking plenty of water; eat small portions of food throughout the day, rather than large amounts at breakfast, lunch, and dinner; eating a diet high in potassium, as well as eating salty foods.

However, each case may vary, so it is always recommended to visit the doctor.