You might want to think twice about washing raw chicken.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a warning on April 26 urging Americans to stop washing chicken before cooking. After giving consumers a stern command, the CDC said washing chicken led to the spread of germs in the kitchen.

"Don’t wash your raw chicken," the CDC said in a Twitter statement. "Washing can spread germs from the chicken to other food or utensils in the kitchen."

Don’t wash your raw chicken! Washing can spread germs from the chicken to other food or utensils in the kitchen. https://t.co/QlFpd1alG3
pic.twitter.com/bLB1ofcuh7

— CDC (@CDCgov) April 26, 2019

On the CDC website, the organization further explained its reasoning behind the warning. The raw meat contains a cocktail of bacteria including Campylobacter, Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens. There is only one way to truly get rid of the bacteria: cook the meat thoroughly.

All poultry products should be handled carefully, the CDC recommended. Put the chicken in a separate disposable bag when buying, cut it on its own designated cutting board and thoroughly wash hands when handling.

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Unsurprisingly, the recent news did not go over well — especially on Twitter. Users defended rinsing raw chicken while others condemned chicken washers for not knowing the practice led to a spread of germs.

This message is for white people. No way I’m not washing my chicken. https://t.co/WqoUDMgVmt

— PRINCE OF HOUSE STARK (@DJPRINCEDC) April 27, 2019

I don't care what CDC, ABC, NBC, BBC, whoever say! I'm still washing my raw chicken ????????‍♀️ just bleach the surfaces after https://t.co/qnpulxYbsL

— Kendra (@ljb_1999) April 29, 2019

I normally listen to the @CDCgov , but my ancestors won't let this ride! Nah, I'm still washing the chicken in a bowl and then bleaching out the sink later.

— Yaa Menz (@YaaMenz) May 2, 2019

I was taught to wash chicken to remove feathers, too much fat, and the yellow substance that coats the skin. Washing also removes dirt, small rocks and particles of whatever got packed in the factory. I suppose the CDC thinks cooked feathers and gunk are acceptable. #nope

— patricia lyles (@sistalocdmom) May 4, 2019

A lot of people will continue cleaning chicken as they see fit. Following the uproar, the CDC issued one more statement featuring a bad chicken pun.

We didn’t mean to get you all hot about not washing your chicken! But it’s true: kill germs by cooking chicken thoroughly, not washing it. You shouldn’t wash any poultry, meat, or eggs before cooking. They can all spread germs around your kitchen. Don’t wing food safety!

— CDC (@CDCgov) April 29, 2019

With all jokes aside, the CDC reports a million people get sick from eating poultry every year due to germs. Food poising, unclean cooking areas and uncooked chicken contribute to the growing health issue. For more info on the issue, visit the CDC website.

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