This popular meat cooking myth could actually cause more harm than good

How often have you heard the advice, “Don’t believe everything you see online”? Countless times, right? But in a world where almost all our information comes from the internet (especially social media), distinguishing truth from fiction has become trickier than ever.

While many chefs are sharing valuable cooking tips on platforms like TikTok, social media is also rife with misinformation, particularly about food safety. A recent Reddit thread had users sharing cooking myths they immediately disregard, with one major offender being the long-standing myth of washing meat.

“Washing meat is still surprisingly common, despite being a bad practice,” noted Reddit user DyotMeetMat.

In truth, you probably shouldn’t wash your meat before cooking it. While many home cooks are aware of this, if you've been influenced by online myths, keep reading to understand why this practice is discouraged by experts.

Why washing meat before cooking is a bad idea

The myth suggests that washing meat makes it safer, but in reality, only cooking meat to the recommended temperatures will effectively kill any harmful bacteria. In fact, washing meat can increase the risk of spreading foodborne illnesses in your kitchen.

Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can lead to serious illnesses if consumed. To reduce the risk, limit the surfaces and utensils the raw meat comes into contact with, and always sterilize any surfaces that may have been contaminated after handling.

Washing raw meat can spread harmful microorganisms to your sink and surrounding areas (sometimes up to three feet away!), raising the risk of contamination. As one Reddit user aptly put it, rinsing meat just makes it wet while splashing germs all over your kitchen.

A study from the USDA found that washing raw poultry actually increases the risk of foodborne illness. The CDC, FDA, and USDA are all in agreement: don’t wash meat.

Exceptions to the Rule

In some cultures, washing meat is a tradition passed down through generations. In these cases, the wash often involves soaking the meat in salt or vinegar, which not only enhances the flavor but also acts more like a marinade than a simple rinse. This method is generally safer because it contains the process more effectively than rinsing in the sink.

If you're hunting or processing your own meat (such as wild game), there are different guidelines for safe preparation. Similarly, in countries with different meat standards, additional cleaning measures may be needed. However, for most people buying pre-cleaned and packaged cuts from the store, washing raw meat is strongly discouraged for food safety reasons.

If you come across this myth from online chefs, don’t fall for it. You can still enjoy their recipes—just skip the misleading advice they offer.