Concerns About Ingesting Undercooked Wild Boar Meat
Location: Västra Götaland, Sweden, although it’s likely that the meat originated from a little farther north. Recently, I had some wild boar meat stored in my freezer at -18°C for around two days before I decided to fry it up for burgers. This meat was also frozen when purchased from the store. After cooking, the outside developed a very dark brown color; however, while eating, I couldn't fully confirm if there was a slight pink or red tint in the very center. I did have ketchup on it, which complicates the matter a bit. I regrettably don’t own a meat thermometer, which would undoubtedly be a wise purchase for the future. I currently struggle with significant depression and still managed to finish my meal, albeit with lingering anxiety and an attitude of “let’s hope everything is fine, but who knows?” I felt rather detached and perhaps unwise in my approach. If I discover that the worst has happened, I’ll set aside my hesitations and reach out to a doctor. Unfortunately, my experiences with the Swedish healthcare system have not given me much confidence in their ability to assist with anything, but I don’t have other options. What are the chances that I might have contracted something? As far as I know, our meat standards are generally high, though they don’t anticipate people eating it in a raw state like a wild animal. I consumed a total of 180 grams of meat, with concerns primarily regarding the potential safety of just the center. Profile: Male, 19 years old, frequent smoker, standing 196 cm tall and weighing approximately 95 kg.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 10:30:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after consuming undercooked meat, especially with your specific circumstances. While wild boar meat can carry risks such as trichinosis and other foodborne infections if it’s not cooked properly, let’s break it down to address your concerns clearly.
Main Points:
- Potential Risks: Undercooked wild boar meat poses risks for foodborne illnesses, but if the meat was properly frozen and cooked thoroughly, the risks decrease.
- Assessment: Monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness, which usually start within 1-2 days after eating contaminated meat.
- Self-Care Steps: Focus on symptom tracking, hydration, and if necessary, seeking professional help based on your symptoms.
Explanation:
Wild boar meat can harbor parasites and bacteria, which is why it’s important to cook it to safe temperatures (at least 63°C or 145°F for whole cuts, as recommended by food safety guidelines). The dark color outside is normal due to the cooking process, but pink in the center can be a concern. However, freezing the meat at -18°C for a sufficient time can kill most parasites, which is a positive aspect in your case.
Given your anxiety and past healthcare experiences, it’s completely normal to feel apprehensive right now. You're doing your best by reaching out for information, which is a proactive step.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Health: Pay attention to symptoms over the next few days, which may include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help your body manage any potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Record Symptoms: Keep a diary of any symptoms you experience. This can be helpful if you decide to seek medical advice later.
- Consider Comfort Measures: If you feel anxious, consider relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
- Future Precautions: Invest in a meat thermometer for the future to ensure that meat is cooked thoroughly, which can alleviate some anxiety around cooking.
If you experience severe symptoms or any sudden changes in your health, please prioritize seeking medical help, despite previous experiences. Your health and well-being are important.
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