Is It Necessary to Rinse Ground Beef?

Should ground beef ever be washed?
“The foremost principle to grasp is that the U.S. food system ensures beef safety to the extent that rinsing it before cooking is entirely unnecessary,” asserts Diana Clark, a Certified Angus Beef meat scientist. She emphasizes that adhering to proper storage practices—keeping ground beef chilled in the refrigerator—and cooking it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F guarantees its safety for consumption.

For those who still feel compelled to rinse ground beef, Clark strongly advises scrupulous sanitation of the sink and adjacent surfaces. Neglecting this precaution could inadvertently foster the spread of harmful bacteria.

“USDA findings reveal that water splashes can disseminate bacteria within a three-foot radius around your sink,” she explains. “Thus, meticulous cleaning of the vicinity is imperative to prevent cross-contamination.”

The consensus among experts:
Heidi Meyer, co-founder of Pound of Ground Crumbles, echoes Clark’s sentiments, advocating against rinsing raw ground beef. “The prevailing guidance discourages washing raw meat due to the likelihood of spraying contaminated juices throughout your kitchen,” Meyer says. “Regardless of your approach, always ensure ground beef is cooked to a secure and flavorful 160°F.”

Post-cooking cleaning: Is it a thing?
Another rising trend involves rinsing ground beef post-cooking, but Clark remains unconvinced of its utility. “From a food safety perspective, this practice is redundant,” she asserts. “If your concern is fat content, simply drain the cooked beef. Any remaining fat will contribute a savory richness you wouldn’t want to lose.”

Culinary experts weigh in
Chef Ferrell Alvarez, a Tampa-based restaurateur and a member of The Proper House Group, was astonished by the concept of rinsing ground beef. “This practice is entirely unfamiliar to me,” Alvarez admits. “While it’s unlikely to cause harm, it serves absolutely no purpose.”

The takeaway
Put the colander back in the cabinet. Rinsing raw ground beef risks dispersing bacteria-laden fluids across your kitchen, jeopardizing hygiene. Post-cooking rinsing, on the other hand, strips the beef of its delectable essence. If fat reduction is your aim, a simple draining will suffice, preserving the sumptuous flavors that elevate your culinary creations.