AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question I you have a bowl to clean that raw meat was in, is it better to wash it out in the
sink or put it right into the dishwasher? I assume that washing out bowls that
had raw meat in them will then contaminate the sink? Also should you throw
away the sponge used to clean the bowl? Or does the soap used make the
sponge ok? Many thanks.
Answer Hi Stephanie,
It's okay to rinse the bowl that contained raw meat in the sink before putting it into the dishwasher. Yes, there is the possibility that bacteria from the meat juices will get on your sink. Your job after using bowls and utensils that touched raw meat is to wash the sink out with hot water and detergent. This will flush the bacteria down the drain and the sink will now be at a pH that does not support the growth of bacteria.
You should wash the sponge the was used to clean the bowl in hot, soapy water before using on any other surfaces. Soap helps to bring dirt to the surface for the water to flush it away. Soap also has a high pH and most bacteria do not survive in that pH.
I hope this answers your question. If I can be of further assistance please let me know.
