SKEPTOID BLOG:Science Changed My Mind...About Chickenby Eric Hall September 1, 2013 posted an interesting piece recently regarding the washing of poultry in the kitchen. It turns out I have been doing things wrong in the kitchen - as well as some of the chefs on various cooking shows. The inside of a chicken or turkey shouldnotbe washed before cooking. It is OK to pat dry with paper towels. Washing only spreads germs throughout your kitchen while leaving plenty inside to still get you sick if not cooked to the proper temperature.
NPR What was also interesting is the backlash the piece brought about on social media. Although a food safety scientist showed evidence of the germs being spread, no one wanted to doubt the wisdom of Julia Child. This is a classic case of Appeal to Authority. I often talk about this in my blog posts. A person's credentials should absolutely be a factor in trusting what they are communicating. But no matter the expertise of a person, when presented with good evidence which goes against that person, it is important to trust the evidence. Just because Julia Child said to cook something a certain way doesn't mean it is the best way. Such is the case of washing a chicken. I am not surprised my this revelation, but I am a bit surprised it didn't occur to me sooner. On the show "Mythbusters,"Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage placed toothbrushes in a bathroom for a month, and it turned out Going forward, no more washing my chickens and turkeys - because I trust the science. by Eric Hall @Skeptoid Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit |