Undercooked hot dogs pose health risk (2024)

FAQs

Undercooked hot dogs pose health risk? ›

Although hot dogs are fully cooked, those at increased risk of foodborne illness should reheat hot dogs and luncheon meat until steaming hot before eating, due to the threat of listeriosis.

You can eat raw hot dogs more safely than you could say, eating raw meats that have not been previously cooked. However, there is a chance that unprepared hot dogs can contain an anaerobic bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes (which causes an infection called Listeriosis), which normally cook off through heating.

If they are not cooked and handled properly, hot dogs can cause Listeriosis, a serious bacterial infection. The CDC estimates that Listeriosis causes about 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths in the U.S. annually.

The time it takes food poisoning symptoms to start can vary. Illness often starts in about 1 to 3 days. But symptoms can start any time from 30 minutes to 3 weeks after eating contaminated food. The length of time depends on the type of bacteria or virus causing the illness.

Do your best to eat them on rare occasions only. Up to 80 percent of the calories in regular hot dogs come from fat, and much of it is the unhealthy saturated type. Regularly eating processed meats like hot dogs has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and colon cancer.

Before being consumed, hot dogs should reach an internal temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, says Coleman Natural Foods. Another general rule for if a hot dog is cooked is to check its texture. Fully cooked hot dogs will have wrinkly skin and will become darker in color.

Though they may look pink, most hot dogs are actually already cooked and technically ready to eat right out of the package. This means that boiling them for ages before throwing them on the grill is probably unnecessary, and it can suck the flavor right out of your dogs.

Mild symptoms may include a fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the more severe form of listeriosis develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. For the very young, the elderly, and the immune-compromised listeriosis can result in death.

What are the symptoms of listeriosis? Listeriosis can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and diarrhea or upset stomach. You also may have a stiff neck, headache, confusion, or loss of balance. Symptoms may appear as late as 2 months after you have eaten something with Listeria.

After a person eats food contaminated with Listeria, symptoms usually begin within a few weeks, but may not occur for up to one month. For pregnant women, it may take up to two months for symptoms to appear. Most people who develop listeriosis seek medical care within two days of developing symptoms.

What is the fastest way to flush out food poisoning? ›

Resting Your Body

Simple rest is one way to help your body heal from food poisoning. Take it easy until you are feeling better. Additionally, do not eat or drink for a few hours after the onset of symptoms. Once you do start eating and drinking again, try gentle and bland foods, like crackers, and sports drinks.

If you'd like to be on the safe side, consider consuming products cured with natural rather than synthetic ingredients. Uncured hot dogs contain only natural ingredients, which may be a safer alternative to synthetic nitrates and nitrites.

"Overall, while hot dogs can be enjoyed occasionally, it's advisable to prioritize a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, as these provide a wider range of nutrients and are generally considered healthier choices," Sabat says.

There's no specific number, but try to think of a traditional hot dog as a “once in a while” food instead of an “everyday” food.

If you have a fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea, contact your doctor. The same goes for illness after eating a potentially contaminated product, such as foods made with unpasteurized milk or poorly heated hot dogs or deli meats.

Eating raw hot dogs or sausages is generally not recommended due to the risk of foodborne illnesses. These products are typically made from a mix of meats and may contain bacteria like Salmonella or E.

Raw meat can carry bacteria which cause food poisoning and, accordingly, eating undercooked pork or chicken may result in food poisoning. If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever after eating undercooked meat, seek a diagnosis from a medical institution immediately.