A new study reviewing 100 episodes from 24 popular celebrity chefs reveals widespread poor food safety practices on screen. Researchers observed that 23% of chefs licked their fingers during prep—a serious hygiene breach. Meanwhile, 20% touched their hair, dirty clothing, or other surfaces before handling food again.
The most frequent hazards? Skipping hand washing altogether, failing to switch cutting boards between raw meat and uncooked vegetables, and not using a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
“Hand washing shouldn’t be a one-time thing,” the researcher emphasized. Many chefs washed once at the start but neglected it during preparation, heightening cross-contamination risks.
Love tuning into cooking shows? Draw inspiration, but always prioritize proven food safety in your kitchen.
