Can the remaining meat still be eaten if the part bitten by a mouse was cut off and the rest cooked?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
There would be an extremely low possibility of safety only if the portion of meat bitten by a rat is very small, and the affected area along with a surrounding margin is immediately and thoroughly removed using clean tools, the remaining meat is then continuously cooked at temperatures above 100°C for sufficient time (e.g., the core temperature of the meat reaches above 75°C and is maintained for at least 30 seconds), and no contamination occurs during handling. However, this is still not recommended.
Generally, meat that has been bitten by a rat is not recommended for consumption, even if the affected portion is cut away and the meat is thoroughly cooked. There is only a minimal chance of safety if the meat was not contaminated and has been thoroughly cooked at high temperatures. If in doubt, it is advisable to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Rats carry various pathogens and parasites (such as Salmonella and Yersinia pestis). Their saliva and excretions may contaminate the meat they bite, and contaminants can spread into areas that appear intact. Simply removing the bitten portion cannot completely eliminate the risk. Even after cooking, certain toxins may persist, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort or infections upon consumption.
A minimal level of safety might exist only if the rat bite damage is extremely limited, the affected area and a surrounding margin are immediately and thoroughly removed using clean tools, the remaining meat is cooked continuously at temperatures above 100°C (for example, ensuring the core temperature of the meat reaches above 75°C and is maintained for at least 30 seconds), and no secondary contamination occurs during handling. However, consumption is still not recommended.
In daily life, if food is found to have been touched by rats, the safest practice is to discard it immediately, avoiding health risks for the sake of saving food. After disposal, hands should be washed and disinfected promptly, and kitchen hygiene should be maintained to prevent future rodent infestations.
