Can you eat raw sausage?
Quick Answer
No
Eating raw sausage is not recommended due to the risk of foodborne illnesses. Raw sausage can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause severe illness if consumed.
What Is It?
Raw sausage is a type of ground meat, often pork, beef, or chicken, that has been seasoned with various spices and herbs but has not been cooked.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating raw sausage can pose several health risks, primarily due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria.
- Food poisoning: Raw sausage can contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.
- Parasitic infections: Raw or undercooked pork can carry parasites like Trichinella spiralis, which can lead to trichinosis, a serious illness.
Safe Method?
The safe method to consume sausage is to cook it thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for ground meat and 165°F for poultry.
Safe Alternatives
If you enjoy the taste of raw sausage, consider trying fully cooked sausage varieties or vegetarian alternatives that can be eaten without additional cooking.
Storage Tips
Store raw sausage in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.’, ‘Use or freeze raw sausage within 1-2 days of purchase.
Preparation Tips
Always wash your hands and clean all surfaces and utensils after handling raw sausage to prevent cross-contamination.