Bird Flu Precaution: 7 Correct Ways To Clean Chicken Safely At Home

In Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai, cases of bird flu have increased over the past few days, making many people hesitant to buy meat. Even those who do purchase it are unsure about how to clean it safely. This article aims to ease those concerns by sharing practical tips on how to reduce germs in chicken.

Earlier, it was common to simply rinse raw meat under running water before cooking, believing that this was enough to clean it. However, this method is no longer considered effective. Washing meat with plain water only removes visible blood and fat, not harmful germs. In packaged raw chicken especially, bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter can develop due to packaging conditions, and these are not eliminated by water alone.

Salmonella and Campylobacter can cause serious health problems, including fever, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and even septicaemia (blood infection). Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Since routine washing is not sufficient, extra care is essential when handling raw chicken. Here are some safe and effective cleaning tips.

1) Remove packaging carefully: Bacteria often spread through the wrappers or boxes used to pack chicken. Start by removing the chicken from its packaging and transfer it immediately to a clean container if possible. Place it on a thoroughly cleaned chopping board or plate and use a paper towel to wipe off any visible dirt or mud.

2) Wash with hot water and turmeric: After wiping the surface, wash the chicken thoroughly using hot water mixed with turmeric, which is traditionally believed to have antibacterial properties.

3) Use vinegar and lemon solution: Vinegar and lemon act as natural disinfectants. Prepare a solution with sufficient vinegar and lemon juice and soak the chicken in it. This helps reduce bacteria and remove strong odours. Let the chicken soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it well with cold water and allow it to drain.

4) Soak in salt water: Another effective method is soaking chicken in salt water. Salt has antibacterial properties and helps remove surface germs, dirt, and residue. Take a bowl of cold water, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt, mix well, and soak the chicken for 10-15 minutes. Rinse again with cold water afterwards.

5) Remove the skin: Always remove the chicken skin before cooking. The breast portion contains fewer calories and is considered healthier, while the skin has higher fat content and should be avoided as much as possible.

6) Maintain hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water both before and after handling raw chicken to prevent the spread of bacteria.

7) Keep utensils and surfaces clean: Before cleaning the chicken, wash all utensils, knives, and chopping boards to avoid cross-contamination. After cleaning, wash your hands again and disinfect kitchen surfaces and counters to keep your kitchen safe from harmful germs.