Food & Kitchen
Raw chicken and cross-contamination: what to do?
Raw chicken and cross-contamination: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.
Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Updated octobre 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Immediate actions
- 1 Use separate colored boards for raw meat.
- 2 Wash hands for 20 seconds after handling.
- 3 Never rinse raw chicken — it sprays bacteria everywhere.
- 4 Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf only.
What not to do / warning
Rinsing chicken aerosolizes bacteria across your sink area.
When a raw chicken and cross-contamination happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.
What to do right now
- Use separate colored boards for raw meat.
- Wash hands for 20 seconds after handling.
- Never rinse raw chicken — it sprays bacteria everywhere.
- Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf only.
Mistakes to avoid
- Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
- Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
- Following unverified advice from random websites.
How to prevent this in the future
Regular checks, keeping emergency numbers visible and preparing an essentials kit go a long way. Save this guide for offline access.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?
Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or begin the official procedure.
When should I call emergency services?
Whenever life, serious injury or fire is involved. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather check than miss an emergency.
Sources & references
- CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/)