What should you do if ate undercooked meat?

It's understandable to be worried if you've eaten undercooked meat. Here's what you should do:

1. Monitor Yourself:

* Watch for symptoms: Pay attention to any signs of food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, chills, or headache. These symptoms usually appear within 12-72 hours of eating contaminated food.

* Keep yourself hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water or clear broth, to prevent dehydration.

* Rest: Give your body time to recover.

2. Seek Medical Attention:

* Call your doctor: If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice. They can advise on the best course of action.

* Go to the emergency room: If you have any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

* High fever (above 101.5°F)

* Bloody diarrhea

* Severe dehydration (not being able to urinate, dry mouth, sunken eyes)

* Difficulty breathing

* Confusion or disorientation

3. Prevention for the Future:

* Cook meat thoroughly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meat reaches the proper internal temperature:

* Beef, pork, lamb, veal: 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare

* Beef, pork, lamb, veal: 160°F (71°C) for medium

* Ground meat: 160°F (71°C)

* Poultry: 165°F (74°C)

* Wash your hands and surfaces: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before, during, and after handling raw meat. Clean and sanitize all surfaces that come in contact with raw meat.

* Store meat properly: Keep raw meat refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. Never leave it at room temperature for extended periods.

Important Note: It's essential to act quickly if you suspect you've eaten undercooked meat. Early intervention can help prevent complications.