What Are Undercooked Pork Worms
Undercooked pork worms refer to parasitic larvae, especially Trichinella, that can survive in pork that has not been cooked to a safe internal temperature. When people eat raw or undercooked infected meat, these larvae can enter the intestines and continue their life cycle inside the body.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Infection can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and muscle pain. In more serious cases, it may lead to swelling around the eyes or problems with coordination. Symptoms often appear within days to weeks after eating contaminated meat.
Prevention and Safe Cooking
To reduce risk, cook whole cuts of pork to at least 63 °C (145 °F) and let the meat rest for three minutes, according to guidance from the FDA. Freezing pork at very low temperatures for several weeks can also help kill some parasites, but cooking remains the most reliable method.
Always use a food thermometer, avoid tasting raw dough or batter made with pork, and practice good kitchen hygiene by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw meat.
