Can You Get Salmonella from Pork?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is commonly found in raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized milk. Pork is one of the meats that can be contaminated with Salmonella.

Sources of Salmonella in Pork

Salmonella can enter the pork production chain at various stages. Pigs can become infected with Salmonella through contact with contaminated feed, water, or soil. The bacteria can also be present in the intestines of healthy pigs without causing any symptoms. During slaughter and processing, Salmonella can be spread from one pig to another through contact with contaminated equipment or surfaces.

Risk Factors for Salmonella Infection from Pork

Anyone can get a Salmonella infection from eating contaminated pork. However, certain groups of people are at higher risk, including:

Children under 5 years old
Adults over 65 years old
Pregnant women
People with weakened immune systems

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically develop within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Common symptoms include:

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Abdominal cramps
Headache
Fatigue

Treatment for Salmonella Infection

Most cases of Salmonella infection are self-limiting and will resolve within a few days. Treatment is typically supportive and includes:

Rest
Fluids
Electrolytes

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat the infection.

Prevention of Salmonella Infection from Pork

There are several steps you can take to prevent getting a Salmonella infection from pork:

Cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as measured by a food thermometer.
Do not eat raw or undercooked pork.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling pork.
Clean and sanitize all surfaces that come into contact with pork.
Store pork in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Salmonella is a common bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Pork is one of the meats that can be contaminated with Salmonella. By following the prevention tips outlined above, you can reduce your risk of getting a Salmonella infection from pork.

FSA Explains: Salmonella

FAQ

How common is Salmonella in pork?

Based on analysis of U.S. foodborne disease outbreaks, pork may be responsible for between 8 and 13 percent of roughly 1 million foodborne human salmonellosis cases each year.

Can you get Salmonella poisoning from pork?

Eating raw and undercooked meat and poultry can make you sick. Meat includes beef, pork, lamb, and goat. Some germs commonly found in meat include Salmonella, E. coli, and Yersinia.

What should I do if I ate raw pork?

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.

Can humans get Salmonella from pigs?

In humans, several cases of salmonellosis have been linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked pork and pork products. Among the main serovars of porcine origin detected in confirmed human cases, S. Typhimurium, the monophasic variant S. 4,[5],12:i:- and S.