Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Davis, a food safety expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. I specialize in foodborne illnesses and have conducted extensive research on the dangers of consuming raw chicken.

While the idea of eating raw chicken might sound appealing to some, it's crucial to understand the potential health risks involved. Raw chicken is often contaminated with harmful bacteria, most notably Salmonella, which can cause severe food poisoning.

Here's a detailed breakdown of what could happen if you were to consume raw chicken:

* Salmonella Infection: Salmonella is a common bacteria found in raw poultry, and it can cause a severe illness called salmonellosis. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, salmonellosis can be life-threatening, particularly for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

* Campylobacter Infection: Campylobacter is another common bacteria found in raw chicken. Infection with Campylobacter can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. In some cases, it can lead to complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.

* Other Foodborne Illnesses: Raw chicken can also harbor other bacteria like E. coli and Clostridium perfringens, which can cause food poisoning with varying symptoms. These bacteria thrive in environments without proper sanitation and cooking practices.

* Parasites: While less common, raw chicken can be contaminated with parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause serious health complications, especially for pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The risk of getting sick from eating raw chicken is high because these bacteria can survive even at low temperatures. Additionally, cooking chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is essential to kill harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

It's vital to understand that even if you don't experience immediate symptoms after eating raw chicken, you might still be carrying the bacteria in your system. These bacteria can take time to incubate and cause illness later.

Therefore, eating raw chicken is not recommended and poses a significant risk to your health. Always ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent food poisoning.

If you have any further questions regarding food safety or foodborne illnesses, feel free to ask. I'm here to provide you with accurate and evidence-based information.
read more >>

If a person accidentally eats raw chicken in undercooked or contaminated food, he or she has good odds of not getting sick. Still, a large portion of raw chicken does have harmful bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter. The bacteria can survive in chicken that is not cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.read more >>