Who should not eat mixed-breed chicken
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
People who should avoid consuming undercooked chicken generally include pregnant women, infants and young children, individuals with weakened immune systems, those with poor digestive function, and people with underlying medical conditions. Undercooked chicken may carry pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella and Toxoplasma gondii. These pathogens can easily cross the placenta and affect fetal development, increasing the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and other complications. They may also cause infections in pregnant women themselves, leading to symptoms such as fever and diarrhea.
People who should avoid eating raw or undercooked chicken generally include pregnant women, infants and young children, individuals with weakened immunity, those with poor digestive function, and people with underlying medical conditions. The specific reasons are as follows:
1. Pregnant women: Raw or undercooked chicken may carry pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella and Toxoplasma. These pathogens can easily pass through the placenta and affect fetal development, increasing the risk of fetal malformations and miscarriage. They may also cause infections in the pregnant woman herself, leading to symptoms such as fever and diarrhea.
2. Infants and young children: Their organs are not yet fully developed, and their immune and digestive systems are relatively weak. They have limited resistance to pathogens in raw or undercooked chicken. Consumption may easily lead to intestinal infections, causing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which could seriously affect growth and development.
3. Individuals with weakened immunity: This group includes those taking long-term steroid medications, chemotherapy patients, and elderly individuals. Their compromised immune systems cannot effectively fight off pathogenic microorganisms in raw or undercooked chicken. Consuming it poses a very high risk of infection, potentially leading to severe complications.
4. Individuals with poor digestive function: The proteins and fats in raw or undercooked chicken are not thoroughly cooked and are difficult to digest and absorb. Eating such chicken may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion, and disrupting normal digestive function.
5. People with underlying medical conditions: Patients with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney disease, and diabetes may experience worsening of their primary illness if an infection occurs after consuming raw or undercooked chicken. Additionally, toxins produced during infection can increase metabolic strain on vital organs, making disease management more difficult.
Chicken should always be thoroughly cooked to destroy any potential pathogens. Avoid consuming raw chicken, undercooked chicken, or chicken that has not been properly inspected. If you accidentally consume raw or undercooked chicken and develop symptoms such as fever or diarrhea, seek medical attention promptly to prevent delays in treatment.
