Can you get sick by eating raw meat?

Yes, you can get sick from eating undercooked or raw meat. Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, that can cause foodborne illnesses. These bacteria live in the animal's intestines and can contaminate the meat during slaughter or processing. When someone eats raw or undercooked meat, the bacteria can enter the person's digestive system, multiply and cause illness.

Symptoms of foodborne illnesses caused by raw or undercooked meat can vary and may include:

-Nausea

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea

-Abdominal pain

-Cramps

-Fever

-Headaches

-Muscle aches

In severe cases, foodborne illnesses can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and other complications, especially in young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

To reduce the risk of getting sick from eating raw meat, it is important to cook meat to the proper internal temperature. The minimum safe internal temperatures for different types of meat are:

-Beef: 145°F (63°C)

-Pork: 160°F (71°C)

-Poultry: 165°F (74°C)

-Fish: 145°F (63°C)

If you are unable to determine the internal temperature of the meat, it is always best to cook it until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink. It is also important to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and other foods, and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.