Americans Warned About Washing Turkey on Thanksgiving

By Aliss Higham

US News Reporter

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Millions of American households are getting ready for Thanksgiving this Thursday, and each dish comes with plenty of prep work to create the year's standout meal. But one age-old question resurfaces every season: Should washing the turkey be part of your holiday preparation?

Why Do People Wash Poultry?

People often wash turkey and other poultry before cooking because of long-standing habits and beliefs rather than food-safety benefits. Many learned the practice from family traditions or older recipes that instructed cooks to rinse poultry. Some feel washing removes bacteria or the liquids inside the packaging, while others follow cultural expectations that meat should be cleaned with water before use.

However, there is no scientific evidence that rinsing removes germs. Instead, it can spread contaminated droplets around the kitchen.

Why Shouldn't You Wash Your Thanksgiving Turkey?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing raw turkey can spread harmful germs to other foods, surfaces and utensils.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture wrote in a 2013 blog post: "Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer. However, it's virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods and utensils. This is called cross-contamination, which can make you and your guests very sick. Washing your hands before and after handling your turkey and its packaging is crucial to avoid spreading harmful bacteria."

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According to the CDC, federal agencies have advised against rinsing chicken or turkey since 2005, yet a 2020 survey found that 78 percent of respondents still washed or rinsed their turkey before cooking. While older recipes and family traditions often recommend the practice, the CDC says it increases the risk of illness by allowing poultry juices to contaminate the kitchen.

If you choose to wash a raw turkey anyway, be sure to clean and thoroughly sanitize the sink and surrounding area immediately afterward, the CDC advises.

Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey thoroughly will get rid of any harmful germs that could cause illness.

To roast a turkey, preheat your oven to at least 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a fully thawed bird in a roasting pan that's 2 to 2.5 inches deep. Cooking time will vary based on the turkey's weight and whether it's stuffed. Always use a food thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.

The CDC advises checking the temperature in three spots—the thickest part of the breast, the joint between the body and thigh (aiming toward the thigh) and the joint between the body and wing (aiming toward the wing)—while avoiding bone.

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