Viewers of Meghan Markle‘s new Netflix lifestyle show, “With Love, Meghan,” were horrified after spotting the rather controversial way in which the mother of two stores raw chicken in her refrigerator.
Eagle-eyed streaming fans spotted a moment in the third episode of the eight-part series, which premiered on March 4, during which the Duchess of Sussex is seen opening the refrigerator to reveal what appears to be raw chicken pieces sitting uncovered on a shelf.
Images and videos of the chicken legs were posted on social media, where they quickly went viral—with many accusing Markle, 43, of “unhygienic” food storage practices, while others warned that the uncovered meat could end up giving someone “salmonella.”
“No serious chef or person who knows food would have raw chicken on an open grate shelf above fruit or veg. Obvious she has no clue about food safety or cooking. Wow,” one X user wrote.
“Nothing says ‘With Love’ more than serving guests raw or part cooked chicken which has dripped campylobacter and salmonella onto items below because her kitchen hygiene is atrocious,” another chimed in.
“Who is on her production team?” an outraged viewer wrote. “There are people paid to pay attention to details like this. What a faux pas. I’ve been watching cooking shows for decades and the only time I see raw chicken in the fridge is still in the package, marinating, covered in a bowl [or] marinating in a [bag].”
One simply asked: “Why has #MeghanMarkle [put] raw chicken legs in the fridge next to the salad??”
Another added: “Why are they not covered? And why are they right raw on the shelf with nothing underneath it to protect. This is so unsanitary.”
It was revealed later in the episode, which saw celebrity chef Roy Choi joining Markle in the kitchen of her $8 million rented filming house, that the chicken was actually parboiled in preparation to be fully cooked later in the episode—although that update did not provide many viewers with much relief.
The chicken being partly cooked before being placed in the fridge does not mean it doesn’t contain salmonella.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “undercooked” poultry can also carry the bacteria.
“Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs or egg products or by drinking unpasteurized milk,” the organization states.
“You can avoid getting salmonella and spreading bacteria to others in several ways, including safely preparing food, hand-washing, avoiding contamination, and not eating raw meat, dairy or egg products.”
According to experts, raw chicken should always be stored in a refrigerator that is set to between 32 and 40 degrees, ideally inside the sealed package in which it was purchased, or in a dish with sides that will prevent any juices from dripping onto other food products.
This is not the first time that Markle’s show has sparked a divided response from viewers.
Some have already criticized the former “Suits” star for choosing to shoot the series, which focuses on her tips and tricks for hosting at home, in a rented Montecito property, instead of at her own $14.65 million mansion.
In an interview with People magazine, which was published one day before the series premiered, Markle explained her reasons for choosing a different filming site, noting that she wanted to protect the “safe haven” she and her husband, Prince Harry, have created for their children inside their own abode.
“I wanted to protect that safe haven,” she said. “We’re a close-knit family, and I love those moments—putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day. Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, that’s a lot of people to have in your house!”
Instead of using her own sprawling property, Markle traveled just a short distance away to a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom property that is owned by local philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla, who purchased the dwelling for $4.7 million in 2017, according to records.
Nestled on a 5-acre plot of land, the main farmhouse boasts a chic and elegant decor worthy of a Nancy Meyers movie—or a Meghan Markle docuseries—and features an open floor plan and ample windows that flood the home with plenty of light.
An additional barn on the property provides another filming location, while the picturesque grounds—which are filled with lemon and avocado trees—served as a picture-perfect backdrop for Markle’s latest project.
