Bacon is a thinly sliced salt-cured pork belly.
Beef, lamb, and turkey can all be used to make similar cuts. Turkey bacon is one of the most famous examples.
You may be wondering if it is safe to eat raw bacon because it is cured, like deli ham.
This article will explain whether or not you can eat bacon that is still raw.
Is it safe to consume?
Food poisoning is a foodborne illness that can occur when you consume raw or undercooked Meat.
These meats can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million Americans get food poisoning each year. One hundred twenty-eight thousand people are hospitalized, and 3,000 of them die.
Potential dangers
The additives in bacon, like salt and nitrites, help to keep it fresher longer. Nitrites prevent botulism by preventing the growth of bacteria.
Even though bacon is raw, it can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Undercooked or raw pork is associated with several foodborne illnesses, including:
- Toxoplasmosis. Although the parasite that causes this disease is generally harmless for most people, those with weak immune systems can be at risk.
- Trichinosis. Parasitic roundworms cause the disease. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weakness.
- Tapeworms. These parasitic worms can cause intestinal blockages, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Other Health Concerns
- Consuming processed meats like bacon increases the risk of colon and rectal cancer.
- Processed Meat is Meat that has been preserved through smoking, curing, or salting. Ham, salami, and sausages are also examples.
- According to one review, the risk of colorectal carcinoma increases by 18% with every two ounces (50 g) of processed Meat consumed daily.
- Another review backed this finding, which linked processed meat consumption to colorectal carcinoma.
- Cancer Risk is affected by food processing, cooking, and digestion.
- Nitrosamines can be formed in the body by nitrites, nitrates, and nitrates. These compounds are added to processed foods like bacon to preserve color and taste and to prevent spoilage. These compounds can cause cancer.
- You can still reduce your risk of cancer by eating less processed Meat, drinking less alcohol, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, and regularly exercising.
How to cook bacon without burning it
- The best way to reduce foodborne illness risk is by correctly handling and cooking bacon.
- The Department of Agriculture (USDA) mandates that all bacon packages contain safe handling instructions to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses.
- Keep raw bacon away from other foods. Please wash your hands, work surfaces, and utensils after handling it.
- It is also recommended that pork products be cooked to a minimum temperature of 145degF (62,8degC). Due to the thinness of bacon, it isn’t easy to judge its temperature. It’s best to cook until it becomes crisp.
- It can be cooked in the oven, microwave, skillet, or pan.
- One study found that bacon cooked to a high degree or burned bacon is more dangerous than bacon cooked less. This may be due to the higher content of nitrosamines. The harmful compounds are less prevalent when you microwave your food than if you fry it.