If you’ve always washed your chicken before cooking, it might be time to rethink this potentially hazardous habit.

The debate over whether to wash chicken before cooking is one of the most divisive issues in poultry preparation. Food health and safety experts now advise against it, warning that washing chicken can actually spread bacteria and increase the risk of cross-contamination. Proper handling of raw chicken is crucial to prevent food poisoning, and it’s essential to ensure the chicken hasn’t spoiled before starting.

Many people wash chicken thinking they are removing germs or sliminess. While it’s true that raw chicken often harbors bacteria like campylobacter or salmonella, rinsing it with water doesn’t eliminate these pathogens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing chicken can worsen the problem, as the water can splash bacteria onto sinks, countertops, and even clothing.

The USDA emphasizes that the only way to effectively kill bacteria is to cook chicken to the correct temperature. This rule applies to other meats and fish as well. Chicken should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be checked with a meat or instant-read thermometer. A handy trick for knowing when chicken is done is also useful.

Even professional chefs are split on the issue. Julia Child was a proponent of washing chicken, whereas Ina Garten has publicly stated there’s no need to wash chicken or other meats. Garten’s stance is supported by scientific evidence, and aside from ingrained habits, there’s little reason to continue washing chicken given the potential risks involved. Like some other foods that should never be washed before cooking, chicken carries a significant risk of food poisoning, necessitating caution.

For those who still feel compelled to wash their chicken, Drexel University food safety researcher Jennifer Quinlan suggested trying not washing it once to see if there’s a noticeable difference. If sliminess is a concern, patting the chicken dry with a paper towel can be a safe alternative.

If you decide to keep washing your chicken, you must thoroughly disinfect any surfaces that come into contact with the splashing water to prevent cross-contamination, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or any items it has touched. Proper handling and preparation of raw poultry are crucial for health, and washing chicken is just one of many common mistakes made during its preparation.