When it comes to cooking, everyone seems to have their own rules. From how meat should be prepared to the best ways to keep a kitchen clean, certain cooking habits can spark surprisingly heated debates.

One question that continues to divide home cooks is whether minced meat, or ground beef, should be rinsed before it goes into the pan.

Some people believe washing mince can remove excess fat and make a meal leaner. Others argue that rinsing the meat can take away some of its flavor and leave the finished dish less juicy.

But there is another, more important issue to consider: food safety.

Should you wash mince before cooking?

Some home cooks rinse ground beef because they believe it removes unwanted fat. While rinsing can remove some surface fat, it isn’t necessary for making the meat safe to eat.

In fact, the USDA advises against washing raw meat because water can cause bacteria from the meat and its juices to splash onto countertops, utensils and other surfaces. If those areas aren’t properly cleaned and sanitized, the bacteria can potentially spread to other foods.

The safer approach is simple: cook the mince thoroughly rather than trying to wash it beforehand.

What about the fat?

If you’re trying to reduce the amount of fat in a dish, rinsing raw mince isn’t the best solution.

Instead, you can drain excess fat from the pan after cooking. It’s also important not to pour large amounts of grease down the sink, as it can build up and contribute to clogged pipes.

For anyone who prefers leaner meals, choosing a lower-fat mince in the first place can also be a straightforward alternative.

What do experts recommend?

According to the USDA, ground beef should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A food thermometer is the most reliable way to check that the meat has reached a safe temperature.

Cooking the meat properly is what destroys harmful bacteria—not rinsing it under the tap.

So while washing mince may be a long-standing habit for some people, food-safety guidance suggests there’s little reason to do it.

And if you’re concerned about the fat content, there are safer and easier ways to deal with it without sending raw meat and potentially contaminated water splashing around your kitchen.

Do you wash your mince before cooking, or do you put it straight into the pan? Share your thoughts in the comments.