Do You Need to Wash Your Thanksgiving Turkey? Here’s What Food Safety Experts Say

Are you wondering if you should wash your Thanksgiving turkey? Rest assured, you're not alone. Many people already rinse raw chicken, so it's easy to assume that it should be done with other poultry, too. However, the practice might be one of the biggest mistakes you can make on Thanksgiving (or whenever you decide to prepare the bird). Here's what food scientists have to say about washing raw turkey—and why you should avoid doing it at home. 

Why Do People Wash Poultry?

"Rinsing raw poultry is a common kitchen practice rooted in long-standing tradition," explains Kimberly Baker, PhD, RD, LD, director of the Clemson Extension Food Systems and Safety Program Team. It stems from the belief that washing removes surface residue, blood, or bacteria before cooking, she adds. "In many cases, this behavior has been passed down through generations, as family members learned food preparation habits from parents and grandparents," Baker says.

Why You Should Never Wash Turkey

Despite its popularity, the practice of washing poultry—including your Thanksgiving turkey—is not recommended. The reason? Washing poultry can spread microscopic water droplets contaminated with Salmonella or Campylobacter (e.g., illness-causing bacteria), per Bryan Quoc Le, food scientist, food consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered.

These droplets can land several feet around your sink and countertops, ultimately transferring bacteria to items nearby, he says. This may include surfaces, utensils, and other foods, notes Baker. "If these areas are not thoroughly sanitized, the bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen, potentially leading to cross-contamination and illness," shares Baker.

That being said, not washing your turkey is the safest move, per experts at the USDA. 

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How to Remove Bacteria From Raw Turkey

The most effective (and only) way to destroy harmful bacteria is to cook turkey to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, says Baker. Le agrees with this.

To check the internal temperature of your Thanksgiving turkey, always use a calibrated meat thermometer, per Baker. "Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure the sensing area is fully inside the poultry and not touching bone, fat, or the cooking surface, [as] these can cause false readings,” she says. "For chicken or turkey breasts and other smaller cuts, insert the thermometer from the side rather than the top for a more accurate measurement," says Baker.

After each use, wash the thermometer with warm, soapy water before using it again to prevent cross-contamination, Baker says.

How to Prep Raw Turkey

In addition to cooking turkey to the right internal temperature, here's what you can do to ensure a safe Thanksgiving.  

• Wash your hands before and after: As Le notes, clean hands prevent introducing new bacteria to the bird; it also keeps the overall kitchen environment safer. "Wash [your] hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds," says Le. Next, rinse your hands until they're suds-free, then use a disposable paper towel to vigorously dry them, per Baker.
• Wash your equipment before and after: When preparing raw turkey, "start with clean cutting boards, knives, and surfaces," says Le. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water, then sanitize all your equipment and countertops with hot, soapy water, instructs Le. Finish with a sanitizing cleaner. This will prevent bacteria from spreading to other foods.
• Use the right cutting board: If you need to cut raw turkey, use a hard plastic cutting board, as it can be easily cleaned and sanitized, per Baker. (You can also use a titanium board, which is non-porous and ideal for cutting raw meat.) "Avoid wooden cutting boards or those with deep cuts or grooves, since they can harbor bacteria and are difficult to sanitize properly," says Baker.