What Are The Effects Of Eating Under Cooked Chicken?

Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014

Question: Hi there

I was at a BBQ and was eating chicken skewers I was checking as I was eating and halfway through I took a bite of a piece of chicken and swallowed a little bit and then noticed that it was a little bit undercooked I only ate a little bite probably half of a teaspoon in size. I didn't eat the rest could I get sick from only eating a tiny bit of undercooked chicken? It was cooked on the outside. If so how long does it take symptoms to start? I've also just taken some probiotics (inner health plus)

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Symptoms may occur 6 to 72 hours after ingestion

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
There is very less possibility of any health risk from eating a tiny bit of under cooked chicken. The symptoms arise only if the chicken is infected with disease causing organisms like salmonella or campylobacter.. The symptoms usually occur any time from 6 to 72 hours. It is good that you have taken probiotics. Symptoms that are to be watched for are diarrhea and vomiting. It is suggested that you drink plenty of fluids and juices to keep yourself hydrated should you start having symptoms of food poisoning and then contact your health care provider if necessary.

Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (13 minutes later)

Thank you for your quick reply!

I read that you think there is a small possibility and if that's the case when can I stop worrying? Like if I don't get any symptoms within 12 hours could I say that I'm safe?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

If you are symptom free after 12 hours then more than 50 percent chances you are safe. After 24 hours the chances are more than 75 percent and after 48 hours almost 90 percent clear that you do not harbor any food poisoning.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar