Do you have to cook uncured meat products?

Yes, uncured meat products must be cooked because they have not been treated with chemical preservatives like nitrites or nitrates. These preservatives slow down the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses like botulism. Without these preservatives, uncured meat is more susceptible to bacterial growth and contamination, thus requiring thorough cooking to eliminate the risk of consuming harmful bacteria. Cooking effectively kills most, if not all, of these potentially harmful microorganisms, ensuring its safety for consumption.