A "mini fight" between two siblings over how to handle raw meat in the kitchen has turned into a broader discussion about food safety, cultural traditions and long-standing habits.
The original poster (OP), writing under the username Local_Post_7944, shared on Reddit this week that they were making meatballs when their sister asked whether they had washed the raw beef.
When the OP explained that they had not, arguing that washing ground meat is unnecessary and creates more cleanup, the disagreement escalated.
'More for me'
"She refused to eat it, just like I thought," the OP told Redditors, "Oh well, more for me."
What seemed like a minor dispute flared when their father joined the conversation, siding with the sister. The OP grew frustrated, questioning on Reddit why washing meat would be necessary if proper cooking temperatures are enough to kill bacteria.
They even considered conducting a personal experiment—serving unwashed meat without informing their family until days later—to prove their point.
The post drew heated responses from Reddit users, many of whom were stunned by the expectation of washing ground beef.
As one supporter responded, "I have never in my life heard of someone washing ground beef. That is truly a bizarre thing to expect."
Others emphasized the risks of cross-contamination, with another user stating, "Washing raw meats, of any kind, other than fish to remove scales, is not beneficial to either the meat or the sanitary environment of the kitchen.
"In short. Don't wash meat. And who the heck washes ground beef?"
The discussion also touched on cultural perspectives. Some users speculated that washing raw meat, particularly poultry, may be a tradition in certain households or regional cooking practices.
The OP mentioned that their sister's belief could be linked to Jamaican cooking habits, but noted that they personally saw no benefit in washing meat if it was going to be cooked thoroughly.
Expert Health Advice
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has long advised against washing raw meat, stating that it can cause harmful bacteria to spread to kitchen surfaces.
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking increases the risk of cross-contamination rather than making the food safer.
Bacteria in raw meat can spread through water droplets onto nearby countertops, utensils, and other foods. Instead, the USDA recommends cooking meat to safe internal temperatures—160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for ground beef and 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for poultry—to eliminate bacteria.
The Mayo Clinic also advises against washing raw meat for the same reasons.
In an article on their website, the organization emphasizes that cooking food to the correct temperature is the safest way to kill bacteria. It also warns that rinsing meat under running water can spread bacteria up to three feet (91 cm) away.
"Considering the literal Ministry of Health suggests against [washing raw meat], I'll take their advice," the OP replied to a user in the thread.
Newsweek has contacted Local_Post_7944 comment via Reddit.
Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
English (US) ·