Can Corned Beef Cause Diarrhea? Everything You Need To Know

Corned beef is a staple dish in many cultures, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. However, some people report getting diarrhea after eating it. So, can corned beef really cause diarrhea? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Corned Beef?

Corned beef is a salt-cured cut of beef, usually made from brisket. It gets its name from the “corns” or large grains of salt used to cure the meat. The curing process involves soaking the brisket in a brine solution for up to 2 weeks. This gives the meat its signature pink color and distinct salty flavor.

Some key facts about corned beef:

• Typically made from beef brisket
• Cured in a salt brine solution
• Has a distinctive pink color
• Known for its salty flavor
• Often served with cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day

How is Corned Beef Made?

Traditional corned beef is made by curing beef brisket in a salt brine Here is the basic process

• The brisket is rinsed and any excess fat is trimmed off.
• It is then submerged in a brine solution made with salt, water, spices, and curing agents like sodium nitrite or potassium nitrate.
• The meat soaks in the brine for 4-14 days. This cures the meat and gives it a pink color.
• After curing, the brisket is removed from the brine, rinsed, and cooked by boiling, simmering, baking, or smoking.
• Sodium nitrite helps prevent botulism and gives the meat its pink color.
• Spices like coriander, mustard seed, and bay leaf add flavor.

Can Corned Beef Cause Diarrhea?

Yes, corned beef can cause diarrhea if contaminated with harmful bacteria or if it contains high levels of fat.

There are two main reasons why corned beef may cause diarrhea:

1. Bacterial contamination

Just like any meat, corned beef can harbor dangerous bacteria like Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. If the raw meat becomes contaminated and is not cooked to a safe internal temperature, these bacteria can cause foodborne illness.

Symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. Clostridium perfringens is one of the most common causes of food poisoning from corned beef.

2. High fat content

Corned beef is fatty cut of meat. The high fat content, especially saturated fat, may be hard for some people to digest. This can cause diarrhea in sensitive individuals. The spices used in the curing process may also irritate the digestive tract.

• Contamination with bacteria leading to food poisoning
• The high fat content causing indigestion

How to Prevent Diarrhea from Corned Beef

Luckily, there are steps you can take to enjoy corned beef while avoiding diarrhea:

• Cook it thoroughly – Cook corned beef to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill any dangerous bacteria.

• Store it properly – Refrigerate cooked corned beef within 2 hours at safe temperatures below 40°F.

• Reheat it fully – Heat leftovers to 165°F before serving. Never leave corned beef at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

• Avoid cross-contamination – Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat. Wash hands, countertops, and tools thoroughly after working with raw corned beef.

• Buy from reputable source – Purchase corned beef from a trusted butcher or brand to reduce the risk of contamination.

• Limit portion size – Eat corned beef in moderation, especially if your digestion is sensitive to fat.

Tips for Enjoying Corned Beef Safely

Here are some final tips for safely enjoying corned beef this St. Patrick’s Day:

• Opt for lower-sodium corned beef to limit fat and salt intake.

• Slice against the grain for more tender, bite-size pieces.

• Serve with tangy sauerkraut, mustard, or horseradish to cut through the fat.

• Pair with probiotic foods like yogurt or kefir to support healthy digestion.

• Stick to a 3-4 oz serving and fill up on veggies like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

• Stay hydrated by sipping water with your meal.

So go ahead and enjoy some corned beef this St. Paddy’s Day! Just be sure to handle it properly and portion it wisely. Follow these tips and your corned beef shouldn’t cause any diarrhea. Sláinte!