This post will show you if it is ok to eat raw bacon and why you should avoid doing it.
While bacon does actually get heated in the smoking process, it is not enough to fully cook the bacon. So, it is recommended not to eat raw bacon.
Is it ok to eat raw bacon?
Eating raw bacon may increase your risk of foodborne illnesses such as toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms. Although bacon undergoes a canning process that keeps it longer, eating raw bacon increases the risk of food poisoning.
Since bacon undergoes a smoking process, it is not as dangerous to eat it raw as other uncured cuts of pork. This does not mean that you should eat raw bacon, as cured meat can develop bacteria if handled improperly. If you’re sure the bacon you’re getting is properly processed, you can eat it raw with less risk.
Smoked bacon is almost as risky to eat as plain raw bacon because the bacon is not completely cooked during the smoking process. This is where many home cooks make the mistake of assuming that raw pancetta is smoked, cured and therefore just as safe to handle as Italian ham.
Even if seasoned, bacon can still go bad if not handled properly, and you can’t guarantee that your smoked-flavored bacon has actually been smoked to a safe internal temperature.
What happens if you eat raw bacon?
If you eat raw smoked bacon, you will probably be ok because the bacon will have actually already been cooked slightly. However, it is strongly recommended that you avoid eating bacon raw because smoked bacon is never fully cooked. Also, it is possible that you will get sick from eating it but it is not likely that you will get very sick.
What are risks involved with eating raw bacon?
Trichinosis is the most dangerous disease that can be caused by raw bacon. An infection called trichinosis is a foodborne illness caused by eating raw or undercooked meats, especially pork products, that are contaminated with a certain worm.
One of the parasites found in pigs is Trichinella Spiralis, a roundworm that causes an infection called trichinosis, also known as trichinosis. Raw bacon sometimes contains a parasite known as trichinella helix, which is primarily contracted by eating raw or undercooked pork, causing roundworm infestations in pigs.
What to do if you eat raw bacon?
As mentioned above, if you have eaten raw smoked salmon, you will probably be ok. However, if you start being sick or dizzy etc, you should consult a medical professional.
Can you eat smoked bacon raw?
It is not recommended that you eat smoked bacon raw because you can still get ill from it. As mentioned above, smoked bacon does get heated up but not enough to kill all of the bacteria so it is still possible for you to get sick if you eat it raw.
Can you eat bacon right out of the package?
It is not recommended to eat bacon right out of the package. Instead, you should heat it up first by frying it on a pan or at least by putting it in the microwave.
