As
National Lampoon s Christmas Vacation well demonstrated, Christmas can be a source of some bizarre seasonal accidents and illnesses. From flaming Christmas trees to undercooked Turkey, the festive season is rife with drama and Wisconsin’s Department of Health is trying to keep its residents safe this year by advising they forgo a festive snack that’s traditional in the region: raw meat sandwiches.
Also known as Tiger Meat or Cannibal Sandwiches, this Wisconsin Christmas staple sandwiches raw ground beef with egg, onion and seasoning between two bits of sliced bread. “Many Wisconsin families consider them to be a holiday tradition, but eating them poses a threat for Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Campylobacter and Listeria bacteria that can make you sick,” wrote the Wisconsin Department of Health in a Facebook plea. “And, no, it doesn t matter where you buy your beef!”