CrazySunshine99

The general consensus seems to be that searing meat is important because bacteria and viruses reside on the surface of the meat, while the inside is considered safe. Parasites tend to be a different matter, but they are thought to be extremely rare these days because of modern practices in raising livestock. Therefore it's generally thought to be safe to eat meat and fish that hasn't been cooked to pasteurization. (generalizing here)

How does toxoplasma gondii fit into this? Can it be found throughout pieces of meat? What temperatures for how long does it take to kill it?

How can I find out if I have it? How can I get rid of it if I have it? Do I need to incinerate my brain?

Thank you.

Are those temperatures specific to killing toxoplasma gondii? Trichinella (responsible for trichinosis) for example dies at considerably lower temperatures than that.

Cooking guidelines should be based on temperature and time, cooking temperatures recommended by various health agencies tend to recommend temperatures high enough to instantly kill any pathogens, which is unfortunately also high enough to completely ruin the meat.

I cook for a living and I think toxoplasma gondii is probably unknown (and maybe not serious enough?) that culinary professionals don't take it into account when considering food safety.

edit: Just read in Modernist Cuisine that the oocysts of T. Gondii dies from being exposed to 70 C for ten minutes, which is freakishly high. The text doesn't mention T. Gondii being present in meat, perhaps this is a more recent discovery? Is it the oocysts or actual parasites which are present in meat? Presumably oocysts should be in cat poop and the actual parasites in meat. Sorry for the barrage of questions, this is just very interesting.

edit2: Nevermind, the oocysts are in the meat, they perish at 70C for 10 minutes and there seems to be no way to be sure to avoid infection if you ever want to eat steak again.

Thank you. That is extremely unsettling.

How do you feel about not having it, knowing about the symptoms? Relieved or indifferent?

Wow, you're quick.

So I guess if you got it, you got it for life then?