Chicken Defrosting Risks Your Health: Discover 3 Safe Alternatives

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Sep 21, 11:20 am

Photo: (Photo : Karyna Panchenko on Unsplash)

In the rhythm of our daily lives, it's not uncommon to overlook taking chicken out of the freezer in preparation for our evening meal. However, a recent revelation suggests that this oversight might not be such a bad thing after all. In fact, it might be a blessing in disguise.

The Temperature Danger Zone

Gavin Van De Walle, a renowned registered dietitian and nutritionist with an impressive following on TikTok under the name FoodSafePal, shed light on a common kitchen habit that could jeopardize health. Through a video that has since attracted a whopping 4.2 million views, Van De Walle emphasized the perils of defrosting chicken on your kitchen counter, a seemingly innocuous practice adopted by many households.

@foodsafepal Also, never rinse your chicken with the hopes of removing bacteria. The splashing water actually spreads bacteria around. #foodhandler #foodsafety #foodsafetymanager #barechicken ♬ original sound - FoodSafePal

Expanding on the science behind it, he elucidates that when poultry is left to thaw on countertops, it enters a critical "temperature danger zone," specifically between 40 and 140 degrees. Within this range, there's fertile ground for harmful bacteria to not just survive but proliferate at a swift pace. These conditions could act as precursors to foodborne diseases. This is not a trivial concern, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have highlighted that a staggering 1 million individuals annually suffer from illnesses caused by contaminated poultry consumption.

To combat these risks, Van De Walle passionately advocates for three safer, alternative methods:

Microwave Thawing: A quick and efficient method, he suggests placing the chicken package in the microwave and employing the defrost setting.
Cold Water Thawing: By gently running the chicken under a stream of cold water, one can safely speed up the defrosting process.
Refrigerator Thawing: Arguably the safest, this method involves starting the defrosting process on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, allowing the chicken to gradually reach a safe temperature for cooking.

Additionally, he debunked a common myth surrounding chicken preparation: the act of rinsing chicken to eliminate bacteria. Contrary to popular belief, this practice might do more harm than good. The splashing water can inadvertently scatter bacteria, contaminating kitchen surfaces.

Public Reaction and Expert Backing

Van De Walle's revelations unsurprisingly evoked a plethora of reactions from his viewers. Some were genuinely perplexed, inquiring about the bacteria-killing properties of cooking. Others nostalgically shared anecdotes of traditional methods passed down through generations, expressing skepticism over these new recommendations.

However, when a trusted source like Allrecipes.com weighs in on the discussion, it's prudent to pay heed. The culinary giant echoes Van De Walle's sentiments, fervently advising against thawing chicken on countertops or sinks, citing heightened risks of bacterial growth, especially on the exterior of the meat. They also stand firm on the refrigerator thawing method's efficacy and safety. Additionally, they offer some handy guidelines for handling poultry: always position chicken on a plate when placing it on the fridge's bottom shelf; avoid exposing meat to room temperature for extended durations (preferably not more than 15 minutes); and, crucially, refrain from washing poultry before cooking.

In a subsequent video, Van De Walle digs deeper into the nuances of chicken preparation, underscoring the dangers lurking in the seemingly benign act of washing chicken. He warns that this can inadvertently spread disease-causing organisms, contaminating areas around the sink.

In conclusion, when it comes to ensuring our meals are both delicious and safe, it's essential to stay informed and adopt best practices. Next time chicken is on the menu, prioritize safety by following these guidelines.