Families have been warned a common kitchen hygiene habit could actually be spreading germs and reduciong the shelf life of their food. A food biotechnologist has urged that certain products should not be washed before you eat them as this can spread microorganisms, reports ABC.
Washing food may seem a good way to remove any unwanted residue and bacteria, but it could actually expose you to harm, warns food scientist Alba Ramírez.
The dietician and nutritionist pointed to three foods that you should avoid giving a rinse before preparing and eating, on her Instagram account, gastrolifeig. The first food you are strongly encouraged not to wash is chicken, as this can be harmful.
Although you can find many cooking tutorials online indicating you should wash raw chicken before you cook it, Ms Ramírez said this will ‘spread microorganisms throughout our kitchen’.
In the process, bacteria can splash and end up contaminating surfaces, utensils, and other food. Chickens can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause serious illness in humans.
Instead of washing raw meat, it is recommended to make sure you buy your produce from suppliers that have good handling practices. If you are concerned that the meat could have unhealthy microorganisms, these will be destroyed if you cook the meat properly.
Another common food you may be surprised to learn should not be washed before you eat them are eggs. The eggshell may seem like a solid barrier but actually it is porous, similar to human skin, and can dilate and expand if the temperature or humidity changes.
When put in contact with water, the pores can open and bacteria on the shell can enter into the egg. An alternative to washing for your eggs is simply to use a dry napkin to remove any residue or dirt.
Another food best not to put under the tap are ready-to-eat salads, as this can actually reduce how long they last. Unless the packaging says the salad needs to be washed, they will have already undergone a cleaning process and are packaged in a protective atmosphere to preserve their freshness.
By washing the salad, you may be reducing its shelf life as it’s already prepared to last as long as possible in refrigeration.
