Key points
- Chitlins are pork intestines. They are sometimes called chitterlings.
- Chitlins can be contaminated with Yersinia and other germs that can make you sick.
- You can take steps to keep yourself and your family safe while preparing chitlins.
Background
Making chitlins is a time-honored and tasty tradition for many families, especially during the winter holidays in the South.
Chitlins are sometimes called chitterlings. Like all pork products, they can be contaminated with Yersinia and other harmful germs.
That's why you should take extra care when making chitlins or another dish that uses pork intestines – or any time you touch raw pork.
Keep kids safe
Follow these food safety tips when cleaning and cooking chitlins to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Get ready
Keep children out of the kitchen while you prepare chitlins.
Ask someone else to watch infants and other children so you don’t accidently spread germs from the chitlins to the children.
Before you begin, take out everything you'll need to prepare the chitlins and to clean up when you're done. This helps prevent germs from spreading throughout the kitchen after you have begun handling the chitlins.
Items needed to prepare chitlins include:
- Ingredients and seasonings
- Chopping boards
- Knives and other utensils
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pots and pans
- Paper towels
- Bleach solution
Prepare
Buy cooked chitlins when possible because these should be safe to handle.
Freeze raw chitlins unless you plan to clean and cook them within 2 days.
Thaw raw frozen chitlins in the refrigerator in a bowl or bucket completely covered in plastic wrap to prevent drips that can contaminate the refrigerator and items in it. Use raw chitlins within 2 days after thawing them.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before preparing chitlins.
Boil raw chitlins in water for at least 5 minutes before cleaning them. Boiling will help reduce germs that get on your hands and counter while you are cleaning the chitlins.
Boil and simmer chitlins until well cooked and tender before serving.
Clean
Use a solution of 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water to wash anywhere raw chitlins, their juice, or your hands touched. These items might include:
- Cutting boards and knives
- Countertops
- Refrigerator (including shelves, doors, and handles)
- Stovetop (including knobs and buttons)
- Cabinets and drawers (outside and handles)
- Sink (including the basin, drain, handles, and spout)
- Dishwasher (outside)
- Light switches
- Floor
Tip
Soak surfaces with bleach solution and let it sit for several minutes. Rinse with plain water and air dry or pat dry with paper towels. If you use cloth towels, wash them on the hot cycle in the dishwasher or washing machine.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before preparing any other food or touching children or their toys, bottles, or pacifiers.