WASHING chicken has been found to spread a deadly infection, a new study has found.
Nearly half of those surveyed by the Food Standards Agency said they washed the meat before cooking.
However experts have warned that doing this can spread a deadly bacteria called campylobacter.
The bacteria is the most common type of food poisoning in the UK, affects some 280,000 people a year.
But only 28% in the FSA survey had ever heard of it.
The bacteria was found to be spread through the splashing of water droplets.
Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach pains and cramps, fever, and generally feeling unwell.
Most people are only ill for a few days, but it can lead to long-term health problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and Guillain-Barre syndrome, a serious condition of the nervous system.
It can also kill. Those most at risk are children under five and older people.
Chicken preparation advice:
- Cover and chill raw chicken
- Store it at the bottom of the fridge to prevent juices dripping onto other foods
- Don't wash raw chicken
- Thoroughly wash all utensils, chopping boards and surfaces used while preparing raw chicken
- Cook chicken thoroughly - there should be no pink meat and juices should run clear
