Similar sensationalist headlines on the internet often promise “miracle tricks” for removing “all chemicals and antibiotics” from store-bought meat by soaking it in salt water, vinegar, or baking soda. However, the reality is quite different—no such trick works.

💡 What are the facts?

The substances are located in the muscle tissue: If an animal received medication (e.g., antibiotics) while alive, these substances are absorbed by the body and bind directly to the meat and fat. Simply soaking the meat in water, vinegar, or baking soda cannot dissolve the chemical compounds from the muscle fibers.

What actually comes out of the meat? When meat is soaked (or cooked), protein (myoglobin), fat, and water are released. The white or grayish foam on the surface is not “chemicals,” but rather coagulated protein.

Strict ingredients and controls: The European Union has very strict laws. Animals may not be slaughtered during the withdrawal period after taking medication (until it has been metabolized by the body). Meat sold commercially is subject to strict controls by the state agricultural and food inspection service and the state veterinary authority.

🛠️ What should you consider before preparing meat?

Instead of relying on supposed miracle cures, it is recommended to follow tried-and-tested cooking and hygiene rules:

DO NOT wash meat under running water: Rinsing poultry or other meat under the tap does not remove chemicals or bacteria. You are simply spreading microorganisms (e.g., Campylobacter or Salmonella) around the sink and kitchen.

Dry the meat with paper towels: This removes excess moisture, allowing the meat to brown better in the pan and prevent it from sticking.

Remove excess fat: Foreign substances can accumulate in fat. If you have any concerns, you can remove excess fat to reduce its content.

Marinades enhance flavor (not “detoxify”): Soaking meat in vinegar, lemon, or yogurt makes it tender and aromatic, but their effect is purely culinary and not a cleaning action.

🛒 How to buy better quality meat?

The best way to avoid unwanted substances is to choose the meat yourself:

Buy organic meat or meat from certified regional farms where animals are raised humanely, receive a natural diet, and have minimal contact with medication. Pay attention to the origin of the meat and choose fresh cuts over industrially processed semi-prepared products (which often contain added phosphates, water, and preservatives).