Can you eat uncooked ham steaks?

Here's why:

* Ham is a cured meat: Curing involves using salt, nitrates, and sometimes sugar to preserve the meat. While this process kills some bacteria, it doesn't eliminate all harmful pathogens.

* Uncooked ham can contain bacteria: These bacteria can cause foodborne illness, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

* Ham is not typically intended for raw consumption: Unlike some meats like beef, which can be eaten raw in dishes like steak tartare, ham is usually cooked to ensure its safety.

Always cook ham thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to kill harmful bacteria.