Rare beef in a sandwich - is it allowed to be sold in this form?

Question

I bought a beef sandwich from a shop today, and went to take a bite when i got it home. It was rare and dark pink inside. As i am pregnant i refused to eat it, but my concern was whether people are eating this without realising it? I could understand if it was a steak or roast dinner, but i shouldn't have to check whether the beef is well done if i buy a sandwich - should i??? I didn't think it was hygienic to put rare beef in a cold sandwich? Is it allowed to be sold like this?????

i can't believe how many people think that rare meat is safe in pregnancy!!! Haven't you ever heard of Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called toxoplasma gondii, which is a microscopic organism.

It can be caught by eating anything infected with the parasite. This includes directly eating anything with infected cat faeces in it (for example soil), or eating raw and undercooked meat, or eating unwashed fruit and vegetables, or consuming unpasteurised goats milk and goats milk products.

If toxoplasmosis is caught in early pregnancy and is transmitted to the baby then there is a high risk of miscarriage. Babies infected during that first trimester or the second trimester may be born with severe abnormalities such as hydrocephalus (water on the brain), brain damage, or epilepsy. They may also suffer with deafness, blindness or growth problems. These may be so severe that the baby is stillborn.

Answer 1

Hi, as you can probably see from my username I am a chef, Yes unfortunatley shops are allowed to sell rare beef sandwiches but the MUST be appropriatley labelled in case somebody like yourself(pregnant) buys that particular sandwich,If i was you i would write a letter of complaint to the sandwich maker,asking him to clearly label his sandwiches, hope this helps regards emma

Answer 2

definitely, although I don't like it, roast beef is preferred by most people to be rare. (ppl think the well done stuff is tasteless and too dry). It actually isn't that harmful compared to rare hamburger, which should never be eaten. Whenever I get a roast beef sandwich, I request the well done roast beef slices, but they don't always have them. I think the rare stuff is just gross.

Answer 3

Yes, it is allowed and perfectly acceptable. Beef should be served rare to be at its best. If you prefer your beef well done it would be better to stick to deli type establishments where you can specify how you like it. Rare meat won't harm you or your baby.

Answer 4

That's how most beef is cooked when put into sandwhiches - at least it is where I come from. The notable exception would be Arbys, but I don't consider that to be real beef anyways.

Answer 5

rare beef should be in a cows leg. You've just got yourself to blame. Nice to see the livestock is starting to fight back.

Answer 6

i didn't think it was safe either, but you should have rung the shop (was it a store, deli, or bakery??) to warn them - they might not realise they have to label it correctly, or it might just be a bad batch???

Answer 7

Light pink would just be ok. Dark pink is no go. I would have taken it back and got my money back ")

Answer 8

it should have been clearly labelled and i thought it had to be well done for a pre pack but not for a deli

Answer 9

okay to serve rare beef. but next time ask for it to be well done. beef is okay to serve underdone.

Answer 10

YES! it can be severed that way! it should be ok for you even though you have one in the oven!