While all meat should be cooked before eating, take particular care to cook chicken and pork thoroughly and never eat them 'rare'! Raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria like E.
The Virginia Dept. of Health warns, "Eating raw or undercooked oysters or clams can lead to serious illness or death," particularly if you suffer from certain medical conditions like liver disease.
Like crabs and mussels, raw bony fish can harbor parasites and bacteria. This is especially true for certain freshwater species, like carp and snakehead.
Raw eggs can carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause severe food poisoning and even death in vulnerable people. The yolk and the white of the egg can contain Salmonella, and refrigeration does not eliminate the risk because the bacteria can survive in cold temperatures.
Unpasteurized milk and dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, have not been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria that may be lurking in them.
Unless your mung bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, and other raw sprouts are specifically labeled as "ready to eat," they must be cooked before consumption.
While fruits and vegetables are generally safe to eat raw, washing them thoroughly first is important. This removes dirt, debris, pesticide sprays, and any lingering bacteria or parasites.
Uncooked or improperly cooked kidney beans contain a toxin called lectin, which can cause gastrointestinal issues, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Rhubarb stalks are a popular ingredient in pies and sauces, but the leaves of the plant contain high levels of oxalic acid, which is toxic to humans.
While almonds are a healthy nut, Healthline warns that bitter almonds naturally contain a substance called amygdalin, which converts to cyanide in the body.