Trichinosis can be contracted from which type of meat?

Trichinosis is an illness caused by a parasitic infection from the larvae of the Trichinella species, which are commonly found in undercooked or raw pork. When pork is not cooked to the appropriate internal temperature, the larvae can survive and infect humans who consume the meat. Cooking pork to at least 145°F (with a resting time of three minutes) is essential in preventing the risk of trichinosis, along with good food handling practices.

While other meats can carry different parasites or bacteria, they are not associated with trichinosis. For example, fish and shellfish can have their own specific risks, but they do not carry the Trichinella parasite. Beef can also be contaminated with various parasites and bacteria, but similar to fish and shellfish, it is not a common source of trichinosis. Therefore, the correct answer identifies undercooked pork as the primary risk for this particular illness, highlighting the importance of proper cooking techniques for meat consumption.