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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.
How to Prevent Food Poisoning from Raw Chicken
To prevent foodborne illnesses caused by raw chicken, it’s important to follow proper handling and cooking practices.
Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli are killed, using a meat thermometer to check that the thickest parts are thoroughly cooked.
Additionally, preventing cross-contamination is key—wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw chicken, use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, and thoroughly clean all surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water.
Proper storage is also essential: keep raw chicken refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower, and use it within 1-2 days.
If you don’t plan to cook it in that time frame, freezing it will help stop bacterial growth and keep it safe for later use.
These steps will significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness in your kitchen.
What to Do if You’ve Eaten Raw Chicken
If you accidentally consume raw chicken and start noticing symptoms of food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or fever, it’s important to closely monitor how you feel.
These symptoms can appear anywhere from a few hours to up to 72 hours after ingestion.
During this time, make sure to stay well-hydrated, as both vomiting and diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Drinking plenty of water or using an oral rehydration solution can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
If your symptoms are severe, such as a high fever, persistent vomiting, or bloody diarrhea, or if your condition doesn’t improve within a few days, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that people experiencing severe food poisoning should seek medical attention to prevent complications.
Expert Insights on Food Safety and Raw Chicken
Food safety experts emphasize that preventing foodborne illness starts with proper food handling and cooking.
While raw chicken is a common source of dangerous bacteria, following guidelines for cooking and cleanliness can significantly reduce the risk.
Dr. Emily Parker, a food safety specialist, says, “Handling chicken carefully and cooking it thoroughly is the best way to protect yourself and your family from foodborne illnesses. Never skip using a thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to the right temperature.”
An article from FoodSafety.gov outlines essential practices for handling raw chicken, stressing the importance of avoiding cross-contamination and cooking poultry to a safe internal temperature.
Conclusion
Eating raw chicken can lead to food poisoning caused by bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, or E. coli.
Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps can be severe and require medical attention.
To avoid these risks, always cook chicken to a safe temperature and practice good kitchen hygiene.
Proper handling of raw chicken is the key to preventing dangerous foodborne illnesses.
FAQs
1. Can eating a small amount of raw chicken make you sick?
Yes, even a small amount of raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning. It’s important to cook chicken thoroughly to kill any bacteria.
2. How long after eating raw chicken do you get sick?
Symptoms of food poisoning can start anywhere from 6 to 72 hours after consuming raw chicken, depending on the type of bacteria involved.
3. What should I do if I accidentally eat raw chicken?
Monitor for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Stay hydrated and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
