Pork is a staple in many households, but not all parts of a pig are safe to eat. Some portions, despite being tasty and popular, can contain harmful cells or contaminants that may increase the risk of serious diseases — including cancer — if eaten frequently.

Many people don’t realize that certain pork organs or tissues naturally carry higher levels of pathogens, toxins, or inflammatory cells. Worse yet, these parts are often used in everyday dishes, and some people even consider them favorites. Regularly consuming them can threaten not only your own health but also your family’s.

Below are two pig parts doctors strongly warn against:

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1. Pig Lungs

Pig lungs are one of the riskiest organs to consume.

• The lungs easily accumulate toxins, heavy metals, and environmental pollutants, similar to human lungs.

• They can contain high levels of clenbuterol — especially when the animal has been improperly raised.

• Lungs are also prone to harboring bacteria, viruses, and parasites, because the respiratory system is constantly filtering air.

• If a pig has respiratory disease, its alveoli may contain infectious organisms that remain even after cooking.

Regular consumption may burden the body, trigger inflammation, and increase long-term health risks.

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2. Pork Neck (Contains Lymph Nodes)

The neck region, sometimes called “lymph-node meat,” is another high-risk part.

Why?

• The neck contains a large number of lymph nodes, which filter bacteria, viruses, and dead cells.

• Enlarged lymph nodes often carry high pathogen loads that may survive improper cooking.

• Pork neck also contains thyroid tissue, which produces thyroxine. Eating too much can disrupt the endocrine system, affecting metabolism and causing nausea or vomiting.

• Thyroxine is heat-stable, meaning it is not destroyed even at high cooking temperatures.

• The neck is also a common area where pigs are injected with medications, and residues can remain in the meat.

Because of these risks, experts recommend minimizing or completely avoiding pork neck. If consumed, all lymph nodes must be carefully removed — something food stalls and street vendors rarely bother to do.

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Alarming Real-Life Case: Lymph Nodes Found in Minced Pork Dishes

A recent viral post showed pieces of lymph nodes found inside bánh giò (Vietnamese steamed rice cake).
According to the poster:

• Some vendors mix discarded lymph nodes into minced pork for profit.

• Lymph nodes are sold cheaply at markets, sometimes as little as 10,000 VND per basket.

• Even after cooking, they may still contain toxins and viruses.

This incident triggered public concern about unsafe food practices and highlighted the need to be cautious with minced pork from unknown sources.

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What Exactly Are Pig Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are tiny grayish or yellowish glands found throughout a pig’s entire body — not just the neck.

According to Dr. Liu Jingjing (China Agricultural University):

• The neck contains the highest concentration of lymph nodes.

• These nodes are filled with macrophages that trap bacteria, viruses, and dead cells.

• Even when boiled at 100°C, some pathogens may survive inside them due to poor heat penetration.

The neck also contains thyroid glands and may retain veterinary drug residues, creating additional health risks.

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Other Pork Parts to Avoid or Limit

1. Pig Brain

High in fat and cholesterol. It does not improve intelligence and may contribute to obesity or cardiovascular problems, especially in children.

2. Pig Liver

The liver filters toxins and is highly prone to contamination, parasites, and residual chemicals.

3. Raw Pig Blood

Contains Streptococcus suis, a bacteria that can cause severe illnesses and even death. Dishes like tiết canh carry extremely high risk.

4. Pig Intestines

Even when cleaned, they can harbor bacteria, parasites, and waste residues.

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✔ How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Avoid the high-risk parts listed above.

• Be cautious with minced pork dishes from unknown vendors.

• Buy meat from reputable, traceable sources.

• Cook all pork thoroughly.

• When preparing pork neck, remove visible lymph nodes completely.

Your health is shaped by what you eat — don’t let unsafe parts of an animal harm your body.