Americans warned not to eat ‘cannibal sandwiches’ filled with raw meat despite holiday tradition

‘Eating raw meat is NEVER recommended because of the bacteria it can contain,’ Wisconsin health department states

Wisconsin health department warns against eating raw meat sandwiches (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Health officials are warning Americans not to partake in a tradition that sees people eating sandwiches filled with raw meat.

On Saturday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services shared what it called its “annual reminder” urging residents not to eat raw meat sandwiches, which are reportedly served with raw onions and also go by the names tiger meat, steak tartare or cannibal sandwiches.

“Time for our annual reminder that there's one #holiday tradition you need to pass on: raw meat sandwiches, sometimes called Tiger Meat or Cannibal Sandwiches,” the department wrote on its Facebook page. “Many Wisconsin families consider them to be a holiday tradition, but eating them poses a threat for Salmonella, E coli O157:H7, Campylobacter and Listeria bacteria that can make you sick.

“(And, no, it doesn't matter where you buy your beef!)”

The health department concluded the warning reminding those that live in Wisconsin that ground beef should “ALWAYS be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F”.

According to a 2018 US Department of Agriculture blog post, the holiday season sees “hundreds of people in the Midwest who are sickened after eating cannibal sandwiches”.

On the  Wisconsin health department website, it states that there have been eight outbreaks of illness linked to people eating a raw ground beef dish in the state since 1986.

To avoid potential illnesses, the USDA blog recommended a “safe alternative” to the traditionally raw sandwich, which includes replacing the raw meat with meat that has been cooked, but topping with the same spices and toppings.

“You may be surprised to find that it tastes better when cooked!” the blog adds. “Not to mention, you won’t be risking a trip to the hospital with every mouthful.”

Despite the recent warning, some of the more than 1,500 comments on the post have come from people who said they won’t stop eating the meal - as they have never gotten sick.

“I have been eating these for as long as I can remember, and I am 71. Not going to stop now!” one person wrote, while another said: “Nope. Been eating them since I was a child, and have never gotten sick. Bring on the beef!”

In addition to the warning against raw meat sandwiches, the health agency also shared additional food safety tips ahead of the holiday season, which include not eating raw cookie dough and avoiding traditional eggnog, which is made with raw eggs.