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What Happens if You Eat Raw Chicken? If you eat raw chicken, you risk getting food poisoning from harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Eating raw or undercooked chicken is a serious health concern because poultry is commonly contaminated with bacteria that cooking can kill.
Understanding the risks and symptoms can help you protect your health and avoid dangerous outcomes.
The Risks of Eating Raw Chicken
Raw chicken can harbor bacteria that lead to foodborne illnesses. When consumed, these bacteria multiply rapidly in the body, often leading to food poisoning.
Salmonella
One of the most common bacteria found in raw chicken is Salmonella. It can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. These symptoms usually appear within 6 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated chicken.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever.
- Duration: Symptoms can last from four to seven days, but some cases may require medical intervention, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.35 million people contract Salmonella annually in the U.S., and many of these cases are linked to raw or undercooked chicken. Learn more about Salmonella on Wikipedia.
Campylobacter
Campylobacter is another common bacterial infection resulting from eating raw chicken. This bacteria can cause symptoms like diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, and fever.
- Symptoms: Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, nausea, vomiting, cramping.
- Duration: Campylobacter infection typically lasts about one week, but in severe cases, complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome can occur, leading to long-term health issues.
For more information on bacterial infections from raw chicken, check out our guide to Campylobacter and food safety.
Mayo Clinic reports that Campylobacter is a leading cause of bacterial diarrhea in the U.S., and many cases can be traced to raw poultry.
E. coli
While less common than Salmonella or Campylobacter, E. coli can also be present in raw chicken and cause food poisoning. E. coli infections can range from mild to severe, with symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, and sometimes more serious complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can affect the kidneys.
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and, in some cases, bloody stools.
- Duration: Most E. coli infections resolve within 5 to 10 days, but in rare cases, they can lead to more severe complications.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) emphasizes the importance of proper handling and cooking of chicken to prevent E. coli infections.
