To Avoid Food Poisoning, Wash Poultry Before Cooking

While this may seem to make sense, it is not true. Washing under cold water will not remove all of the bacteria but it will splash whatever is on the chicken around the sink area. It takes cooking to the proper temperature to kill the nasties. And you are going to cook your chicken or turkey, right? So, forget the washing. If the bird has obvious crud on it, wipe off with a paper towel.