ANSWER: You are correct. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, washing raw meat (of any kind, actually) prior to cooking is not recommended. This is primarily because of the danger that rinsing the meat will cause cross-contamination by creating splashing onto other surfaces of the kitchen. Without proper sanitizing of those now-contaminated other surfaces, a dangerous situation may occur when other foods or food prep utensils come into contact with the affected areas, possibly leading to food-borne illnesses. It is safer to kill any bacteria that may be present on the meat by heating it to a proper temperature when cooking it. 

Foodsafety.gov recommends cooking meats according to the following guidelines to prevent food-borne illnesses from any bacteria that may be present. Cook ground beef, pork, veal or lamb to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Ground turkey or chicken should be an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Fresh beef, veal or lamb should be 145 degrees, and whole or cuts of poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees. Fresh pork or raw ham needs to be 145 degrees to be considered safe, while pre-cooked ham can be reheated to 140 degrees. Generally, fish should be heated to 145 degrees, or until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork.  You should measure the internal temperatures of meats with a meat thermometer, as this is the only truly safe way to ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly.

To avoid cross-contamination of your foods, always wash your hands and any utensils, dishes or surfaces that come into contact with the food you are preparing.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I found a pin with the insignia “Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute.” Someone with the initials “L.M.M.” graduated as an RN. The school has no follow-up, but their records show that only one person with those initials graduated from there while the school operated under that name. I’d like this pin to go back to its owner. If you can help, please leave a message at (207) 846-4741. Thank you. — Wahneta, Yarmouth.

ANSWER: Come on readers, help spread the word. Sun Spots, this wonderful lady and the individual to whom the pin belongs are all counting on you. Wahneta, please let Sun Spots know when you’ve reunited the pin with its owner.

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