### Is it Safe to Eat Raw Pork Chops? What are the Best Practices for Handling Pork? Eating raw or undercooked pork chops is not safe. Pork can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses. One of the most common parasites found in pork is Trichinella spiralis, which can lead to a disease called trichinosis. Symptoms of trichinosis include stomach pain, diarrhea, and muscle pain, and can be severe in some cases. To ensure pork is safe to eat, follow these food handling practices: 1. **Clean:** Always wash your hands, countertops, dishes, and utensils before and after handling raw pork to prevent the spread of germs. 2. **Separate:** Keep raw pork separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination. Use different cutting boards and knives for meat and other foods. 3. **Cook:** Cook pork chops and other whole cuts of pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a food thermometer to check the temperature and let the meat rest for 3 minutes before serving. Ground pork should be cooked to 160°F (71°C). 4. **Chill:** Refrigerate cooked pork within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Store fresh pork in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze it for longer storage. By following these practices, you can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and enjoy pork safely.