What happens if you eat undercooked chicken?
Feb 21, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Eating undercooked chicken usually does not affect the body if the amount consumed is small. However, consuming a larger amount may impair nutrient absorption in the intestines, lead to excessive digestive burden, and cause indigestion. It may also result in infection by intestinal bacteria, causing acute gastroenteritis. Additionally, it could allow roundworm eggs present in the meat to enter the digestive system, leading to ascariasis.
Eating undercooked chicken usually does not affect the body if the amount consumed is small. However, consuming a larger amount may lead to indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, ascariasis, and other conditions.
1. Indigestion
This can make nutrients in food harder for the intestines to absorb, causing food to remain in the intestine for prolonged periods, increasing digestive burden and leading to indigestion.
2. Acute Gastroenteritis
It may result in infection with intestinal pathogens such as Salmonella or Vibrio parahaemolyticus, causing acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to acute gastroenteritis with symptoms including stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
3. Ascariasis
It may allow Ascaris eggs present in the muscle to enter the digestive system, causing ascariasis and resulting in abnormal appetite, abdominal pain, and other discomforts.
In addition, food poisoning may also occur. It is recommended to eat fresh chicken that is thoroughly cooked.
