Meat is a familiar food that appears regularly in family meals. However, not all meat is safe to eat. Some types can pose serious health risks due to contamination, harmful chemicals, or improper handling. Below are five kinds of meat that are considered highly dangerous and should be consumed with great caution—or avoided altogether.

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1. Pork Neck with Dark Red Meat and Lymph Nodes

The pork neck area often contains dark red meat mixed with lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of an animal’s immune system and are scattered throughout the body, but they are most concentrated in the neck region. When an animal is injured or infected, these lymph nodes can become enlarged.

Lymph nodes contain a large number of macrophages—cells that trap harmful particles, bacteria, viruses, and dead cells. As a result, enlarged lymph nodes may carry a high load of pathogens that can directly transmit disease to humans if consumed.

Additionally, the pork neck contains thyroid glands, which secrete the hormone thyroxine. Excessive intake of thyroxine can disrupt human hormonal balance and metabolism, causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This hormone is highly stable and difficult to destroy, even when cooked at high temperatures. For these reasons, it is best to avoid purchasing and consuming pork neck meat.

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2. Fish Treated with Diesel Oil to Appear “Fresh”

Some unethical sellers pour diesel oil into containers holding fish that are about to die. This causes the fish to struggle and swim more vigorously due to lack of oxygen, creating the illusion that they are fresh and energetic.

Diesel oil is extremely harmful to human health. It can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, and long-term digestive issues. To avoid buying fish contaminated with diesel, always smell the fish before purchasing. If you detect any fuel or chemical odor, do not buy it to protect your health and that of your family.

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3. Chicken and Duck Tails (Fat Glands)

Chicken and duck tails are fatty parts that many people enjoy for their rich taste. However, food safety and nutrition experts warn that the fat glands in these areas can accumulate toxins, pathogens, and metabolic waste.

Even when cooked at high temperatures, some bacteria may not be completely eliminated. Consuming these parts may increase the risk of foodborne illness, especially if the poultry was not raised or processed under hygienic conditions. Therefore, it is safer to limit or avoid eating chicken and duck tails.

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4. Frozen Chicken Wings and Feet Stored for Too Long

Compared to fresh chicken, frozen chicken may have slightly less flavor but can still provide adequate nutrition if consumed within its expiration date. However, chicken wings and feet that have been frozen for an excessively long time can be harmful.

Over time, fats can become rancid and proteins may break down, producing toxic substances. In the past, media reports have exposed so-called “zombie meat”—old frozen meat that is repeatedly thawed and refrozen before being sold again.

How to avoid unsafe frozen chicken:

• Step 1: Do not buy meat with unusual colors, mold, or a foul odor.

• Step 2: Be cautious if the price is significantly lower than market value.

• Step 3: During thawing, if the meat becomes dull in color or emits a strong smell, discard it immediately. Never risk your health just to avoid wasting money.

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5. Dried Shrimp Treated with Chemicals

According to experts, some dishonest vendors use carmine—a red food coloring—to dye dried shrimp, making them appear bright red and more appealing. While carmine is permitted in limited amounts, excessive or improper use can be harmful to human health.

How to identify chemically treated dried shrimp:

• Soaking test: When soaked in cold or hot water, chemically treated shrimp will release color into the water, turning it reddish. Naturally dried shrimp will only expand, and the water will remain clear.

• Taste test: Naturally dried shrimp are thoroughly dried, firm, sweet, and aromatic. Shrimp treated with dyes or chemicals often taste unnatural and may carry a chemical odor that masks the shrimp’s natural flavor.

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Final Advice

Food safety starts with informed choices. While meat is an important source of protein and nutrients, consuming contaminated or improperly processed meat can lead to serious health problems. Always buy food from reputable sources, inspect it carefully, and prioritize quality over price to protect yourself and your family.