What human health risks are posed by contaminated or diseased meat?

Question

My teacher told me that pretty much all meat is safe because once you cook it, all the bacteria are killed. But if that is true, what is the point of the USDA inspecting meat?

Answer 1

you go crazy and want to kill yourself, but it's too late because you're already dead.

Answer 2

If meat is not properly cooked, like by the chain "Jack-in-the-box" ... bad bacteria e. coli can cause serious illness and DEATH.

Make sure your burger is well done.

USDA inspects meat to keep the really gross stuff out ... read the book "The Jungle" for an idea of what used to be sold as meat.  Might make you into a vegetarian.

Answer 3

.I am no expert on all of the different illnesses that can come from meat, but I can sat that an Isalies big bear bar put me in the hospital for two days with listeria, and cooking cannot kill all types of bacteria.

Answer 4

We need the USDA because without them more people will work more carelessly at meat plants.

Answer 5

Cooking will not reduce the risk of mad cow disease.  It is not caused by a bacteria but a prion protein that remains intact when cooked.  If contracted, the symptoms will not show up for years, possibly decades, making it very difficult to track and ensure public safety.

Answer 6

death

Answer 7

There are a few diseases we can get from cows. Mad Cow Disease is the best known. Also a sickly cow will tend to carry more bacteria when processed. More bacteria at the start adds to the risk when consumed.

Your teacher is correct, in that if the meat is cooked thoroughly, that should eliminate the bacteria, but that is hard to control. Cleaner meat coupled with thorough cooking is safer than just cooking.