Is It Safe to Eat Taylor Pork Roll Raw?

Taylor Pork Roll is a beloved breakfast meat for many in New Jersey, New York, and surrounding states. This salty, savory pork product is often fried up and served alongside eggs and cheese on a breakfast sandwich. While delicious when cooked, some may wonder – can you eat Taylor Pork Roll raw?

The short answer is no, raw Taylor Pork Roll should never be consumed Taylor Pork Roll is a cured, pre-cooked meat product However, it still requires thorough cooking before eating to eliminate any potential foodborne illness risks. Consuming any pork product raw runs the risk of exposing you to harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

In this article, we’ll explore the details of what exactly Taylor Pork Roll is, its ingredients, the safety issues with consuming raw pork, and the proper way to cook this iconic regional meat Let’s dive in to get the full story on eating raw Taylor Pork Roll!

What Is Taylor Pork Roll?

Taylor Pork Roll, sometimes called Trenton Pork Roll, is a type of cured, smoked pork product invented and produced by Taylor Provisions in Trenton, New Jersey. It dates back to 1856. The Taylor company was the first to commercialize this type of salt-cured “ham” made from minced pork.

Pork roll is made from a mixture of ground pork, salt, spices, sugar, and preservatives. This mixture is shaped into a log, wrapped in cloth or paper, smoked, and then sliced to produce round, deli meat-style slices for frying up.

So while pork roll contains cured, pre-cooked pork, it is not ready to eat straight out of the package like typical lunch meats. The curing and smoking process adds flavor and extends shelf life but does not fully cook the pork or eliminate food safety issues.

Why Raw Pork Should Always Be Avoided

Eating raw or undercooked pork is never recommended. Pork has a much higher risk of containing dangerous parasites and bacteria compared to other meats like beef or chicken. Consuming raw pork can expose you to the following health hazards:

• Trichinosis – A parasite that can cause diarrhea, muscle pain, fever, and in severe cases heart and lung problems.

• Toxoplasmosis – A parasite that can cause flu-like symptoms and neurological issues. Particularly risky for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

• Salmonella – Bacteria that leads to diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever.

• E. coli – Bacteria that causes severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

• Listeria – Bacteria that leads to fever, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant women may have pregnancy complications like stillbirth.

As you can see, coming into contact with these parasites and bacteria by consuming raw pork can havesevere, even life-threatening consequences. The risks simply aren’t worth it.

Proper Cooking Guidelines for Taylor Pork Roll

To enjoy Taylor Pork Roll safely, it must reach an internal temperature of 145°F as checked with a food thermometer. Anything below this temperature means potential bacteria could still be alive and a food poisoning risk.

Here are some tips for safely cooking Taylor Pork Roll:

• Cut slices no more than 1/4 inch thick to ensure even thorough cooking.

• Cook on both sides in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crispy at edges.

• If including in a casserole or eggs, ensure pork roll reaches 145°F internally before removing from heat.

• Reheat thawed frozen pork roll thoroughly to 165°F before serving.

• Don’t partially cook then finish later. Always cook entirely in one session.

Following these guidelines removes any parasites and kills any dangerous bacteria that could be present in pork roll or any pork product.

Food Safety Precautions When Handling Raw Taylor Pork Roll

If preparing your own Taylor Pork Roll at home, strict food safety must be followed:

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw pork roll.

• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw pork to avoid cross-contamination.

• Store raw pork roll sealed and on bottom shelf of refrigerator to prevent juices dripping on other foods.

• Discard pork roll if odor, color, or sliminess develops.

• Marinate raw pork roll in refrigerator, never on counter. Discard used marinade.

• Use food thermometer to confirm safe 145°F internal temperature when cooking.

• Refrigerate cooked pork roll within 2 hours; reheat fully to 165°F before serving leftovers.

Following these best practices reduces the risk of bacteria spreading and allows you to safely enjoy Taylor Pork Roll.

Health Benefits of Taylor Pork Roll When Cooked

While raw pork roll is dangerous, when cooked properly it can be part of a healthy diet. Here are some of the benefits Taylor Pork Roll offers:

• Protein – A 2 oz serving provides 7g of protein to support muscle growth and recovery.

• Iron – Pork roll contains 2mg iron per serving to prevent anemia and boost energy.

• B Vitamins – Pork roll is high in energy-producing B vitamins niacin, B6, and B12.

• Zinc – A serving contains 1mg zinc, which aids immune function and wound healing.

• Phosphorus – Phosphorus strengthens bones and teeth and helps metabolize nutrients.

• Potassium – With 152mg potassium per serving, pork roll may help lower blood pressure.

When enjoying as part of an overall nutritious diet, Taylor Pork Roll can provide valuable vitamins and minerals.

The Consensus: Never Eat Raw Taylor Pork Roll

While deli-thin slices may seem ready to eat, it is never safe to consume Taylor Pork Roll or any pork product raw. The curing and smoking process adds flavor but does not make the pork roll ready-to-eat or eliminate harmful bacteria.

Consuming raw pork carries the risks of severe foodborne illness from parasites, salmonella, E. coli, and other pathogens. Always cook Taylor Pork Roll thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F at a minimum to eliminate these risks.

Practice safe food handling when preparing raw pork roll and refrigerate leftovers promptly. When cooked properly, Taylor Pork Roll can be a delicious and nutritious addition to breakfast sandwiches, casseroles, and more. But skip eating it straight from the package for your safety.

So next time you’re craving the distinctive tang of Taylor Pork Roll, pan-fry it up, pile it on a bagel, and enjoy it safely cooked through! Just be sure to never give in to temptation to try this regional delight raw.