Cathy Isom checks out whether you prefer pink, pale or rare, why experts say you should think twice before eating that raw meat. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
Don’t Eat Raw Meat
For residents in Wisconsin, raw ground beef sandwiches are known as “Cannibal” or “Tiger Meat” sandwiches. It’s a holiday tradition, but the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a message for them: don’t do it.
Cannibal or Tiger Meat Sandwiches typically consist of raw ground beef topped with salt, pepper and onions, served on rye bread or crackers. Historically in Wisconsin, consumption of these sandwiches has led to some serious outbreaks of E. coli and salmonella infections.
Regardless of where your beef is purchased, eating it raw is always risky, and officials strongly discourage anyone from eating raw or undercooked ground beef. Especially older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with weakened immune systems.
The Department of Health Services urges everyone cooking any type of meat to always use a meat thermometer, and wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling.