Kibbeh, steak tartare, whatever the Japanese call their version: it’s all raw hamburger so there’s a risk.
I’m not here to preach – after two months in the southern U.S. there’s more than enough preachers to go around – but will say there’s a risk with raw anything, so take your chances.
Mystics who proclaim they can predict what kind of raw meat will contain dangerous bugs are no better than preachers. Faith has a role, so does data.
What started as a meal of kibbeh at a Michigan restaurant has led microbiological sleuths to determine there are now at least 16 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium in 5 states.
Collaborative investigative efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicated that ground beef produced by Jouni Meats, Inc. and Gab Halal Foods are likely sources of this outbreak.
Seven of the ill persons reported eating a raw ground beef dish at the same restaurant before becoming ill. The restaurant served raw beef to customers and had acquired the raw beef from two retailers.
On January 24, 2013, Jouni Meats, Inc. recalled approximately 500 pounds of ground beef products.
On January 25, 2013, Gab Halal Foods recalled approximately 550 pounds of ground beef products.
Based on epidemiologic and traceback investigations, 7 case-patients with the same outbreak strain have been identified in Ariz. and Mich. with illness onset dates ranging from December 9, 2012, to December 13, 2012. The 7 case-patients consumed raw beef kibbeh on December 7, 2012, and December 8, 2012. It is not known at this time if this outbreak strain has any drug resistance; results are pending.