What animal liver can’t you eat?

Animal liver is a nutritious part of many diets around the world. Liver is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals. However, not all animal livers are suitable for human consumption. There are some animal livers that contain toxins or bacteria that can cause illness if eaten. Knowing which animal livers to avoid and which are safe can help prevent foodborne illness.

Quick Answer: Pork, polar bear, arctic mammals, carnivores, reptiles and amphibians.

While most mammalian livers like beef, lamb, and chicken can be safely consumed, there are certain animal livers that should not be eaten by humans. Livers to avoid include:

  • Pork liver – can contain parasites and bacteria if not fully cooked
  • Polar bear liver – contains dangerously high levels of vitamin A
  • Livers of arctic mammals like seals, walruses, whales – may have high toxin levels
  • Carnivore livers like dogs, cats, lions, bears – more prone to parasites and bacteria
  • Reptile and amphibian livers – potential toxins and bacteria

Sticking to livers from herbivorous or omnivorous mammals like cows, sheep, chickens is the safest choice. Always cook liver thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria. Avoid wild game livers which may harbor parasites. Knowing which animal livers to avoid can prevent foodborne illnesses.

Why Avoid Certain Animal Livers

There are a few key reasons why it’s recommended to avoid eating the livers of certain animals:

Parasites and Bacteria

Many wild animals and carnivores are more prone to having parasitic infections or bacterial contamination in their livers. When their meat is not inspected and properly cooked, it can cause transmission to humans. For example, bear liver can contain the parasite trichinella spiralis, which can cause trichinosis. Pork liver may contain liver flukes if not thoroughly cooked.

Toxins and Vitamins

Some animal livers contain naturally high levels of vitamins, minerals or toxins that can be harmful if consumed in excess. Polar bear liver has such high levels of vitamin A it can cause hypervitaminosis A in humans. Livers of arctic animals like seals and walruses may have accumulated high mercury levels that can cause mercury poisoning.

Unappetizing Texture and Flavor

The livers of certain animals like reptiles, amphibians, and some fish may have unappealing textures or flavors. Goose liver is a delicacy but livers from snakes, frogs, catfish are less palatable options. The livers from younger animals usually taste milder.

Animal Livers to Avoid

Here is more detail on specific animal livers that should be avoided, and why:

Pork Liver

It’s recommended to cook pork liver thoroughly before eating. Undercooked pork liver can transmit the parasites Taenia solium, which can cause tapeworms, and Trichinella spiralis, which causes trichinosis. Freezing or cooking to an internal temperature of 160°F kills these parasites.

Polar Bear Liver

Polar bear liver contains extremely high levels of vitamin A, about up to 30,000 to 90,000 IU per 100 grams. This is toxic for humans – vitamin A toxicity can occur at just 25,000 IU per day. Symptoms include headache, nausea, liver damage or even death. Avoid eating polar bear liver due to this toxicity risk.

Seals, Walruses, Whales

Marine mammals like seals, walruses and whales that live in arctic regions can have high levels of mercury or other toxins accumulated in their livers. When eaten in large quantities, this can cause mercury poisoning or arctic hyperthyroidism syndrome in humans. Their livers should be avoided.

Dogs, Cats, Exotic Carnivores

The livers of dogs, cats, and exotic carnivores like lions, bears, or snakes are not recommended for eating. Their unregulated diets mean their livers are more prone to parasites like flukes or other bacterial contamination. Cooking thoroughly may reduce risk but avoidance is best.

Reptiles and Amphibians

The livers of reptiles like snakes, turtles, crocodiles, and amphibians like frogs contain toxins that are harmful for humans. For example, turtle liver can contain salmonella bacteria and frog liver may contain hallucinogens like bufotenin. Best to avoid their livers.

Animal Livers That Are Safe To Eat

Here are some animal livers that are generally considered safe and nutritious to eat when fully cooked:

Chickens, Turkeys, Other Birds

Chicken, turkey, duck, and other poultry livers are commonly eaten worldwide. Chicken liver pâté is a popular dish. Ensure it’s fully cooked to 165°F and avoid livers with green discoloration.

Cows, Sheep, Goats

Beef, lamb, and goat livers have an earthy, mineral-rich flavor. They are nutritious when cooked fully to an internal temperature of 160°F. Look for livers that are firm and brown in color without spots.

Pigs

Pork liver is milder tasting but should always be cooked to 160°F internally to kill parasites like liver flukes. Avoid livers that appear greenish, fatty or with abscesses.

Deer, Elk, Caribou

Venison or deer liver is lean and tender when fresh. Other game like elk and caribou liver are similar. Cook thoroughly, avoid old or spoiled looking liver.

Rabbits, Squirrels, Pheasant

Small game animal livers like rabbit, squirrel or pheasant can be eaten if fully cooked. Avoid any with abscesses or discoloration. Thorough cooking helps destroy parasites.

Nutrition Facts For Edible Animal Livers

Here is a nutritional comparison of some commonly consumed animal livers:

Liver Serving Size Calories Protein (g) Fat (g) Key Nutrients
Chicken 100 g 121 18 4 Vitamin A, B vitamins, iron
Beef 100 g 175 27 5 Vitamin A, B vitamins, selenium
Lamb 100 g 165 21 5 Vitamin B12, copper, chromium
Pork 100 g 143 21 4 Vitamin B12, selenium, choline
Duck 100 g 185 20 8 Vitamin A, folate, iron

As shown in the table, most animal livers provide high quality protein and essential micronutrients like vitamin A, B vitamins and minerals like selenium, iron and copper. However, even these nutritious livers must be thoroughly cooked before eating to destroy any potential parasites.

How To Choose Safe, Fresh Liver

Follow these tips when selecting animal liver:

  • Choose livers from reputable, sanitary sources like grocery stores or butchers.
  • Avoid old, aged liver with dry, crumbly textures.
  • Fresh liver should have a glossy sheen and firm, moist texture.
  • Color should be a deep reddish brown, avoid greenish tints.
  • No unpleasant or sour odors – should have a mild smell.
  • Avoid livers with abscesses, lesions, spots or parasites visible.
  • For game, only eat livers from fresh, disease-free animals.
  • Check for quality certification stamps if purchasing wild game livers.

Properly stored fresh liver will keep 2-3 days in the refrigerator or 4-6 months in the freezer before cooking. Make sure to cook all animal livers to safe internal temperatures and avoid any risks of foodborne illness.

How To Cook Liver Safely

These basic tips will help you cook liver safely:

  • Rinse liver in cold water before cooking and pat dry.
  • Cook liver completely to kill bacteria – chicken livers to 165°F, other livers to 160°F internally.
  • Fry, sauté or broil for 3-6 minutes per side until browned but not charred.
  • Avoid overcooking liver which can toughen texture.
  • To enhance flavor, marinate briefly in lemon, wine, onion or spices.
  • Let liver sit 3-5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute.
  • Store cooked liver in airtight container for 3-4 days refrigerated.

Cooking liver fully destroys bacteria while retaining the tender texture and rich flavor that makes it a delicacy in many parts of the world.

Recipes With Liver

Here are some popular recipes for safely and deliciously prepared liver:

Pan Seared Beef Liver with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients: 1 lb beef liver, 2 large onions, butter, balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme, salt and pepper.

Slice onions thinly and caramelize in butter on low heat for 45 mins to 1 hour. Pat liver dry and season with salt and pepper. In hot pan, sear liver 2-4 mins per side. Add thyme. Serve liver topped with caramelized onions.

Spicy Indian-Style Chicken Liver Curry

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken livers, chopped onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cilantro.

Sauté onions, then add garlic and ginger. Add spices and cook 2 minutes. Add chopped tomato and simmer 10 mins. Add chicken livers and simmer 8-10 mins until cooked through. Garnish with cilantro.

Southern Fried Chicken Livers with Cream Gravy

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken livers, buttermilk, flour, Cajun seasoning, butter, onions, milk, pepper, parsley.

Soak livers in buttermilk 15 mins. Toss livers in flour seasoned with Cajun spices. Deep fry 3-4 mins until golden brown. Make gravy with drippings, butter, onions, milk and pepper. Pour gravy over fried livers and garnish with parsley.

Food Safety Tips When Eating Liver

Here are some key food safety guidelines for consuming animal liver:

  • Always cook liver thoroughly to recommended safe internal temperatures.
  • Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked liver separate.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully before eating.
  • Avoid eating raw or undercooked liver due to bacteria risks.
  • When in doubt, throw it out – discard liver that smells, looks or tastes spoiled.
  • Stick to liver from reputable retailers and quality inspected meat.
  • Take care when eating wild game liver to prevent parasites.
  • People with liver conditions should exercise caution consuming liver.

Following basic food preparation and handling practices will help make liver a delicious and safe addition to your diet.

Conclusion

Most animal livers can be enjoyed cooked but certain ones like pork or polar bear liver pose health risks when eaten and should be avoided. Stick to reputable sources of beef, lamb, chicken, and other common livestock liver. Cook all livers thoroughly, especially pork liver to destroy parasites. Avoid wild game livers which can harbor bacteria or toxins. With proper handling and cooking, animal liver can be a nutritious part of your diet. Use caution with livers like pork or exotic animals and enjoy this iron and vitamin-rich meat in moderation.

Leave a Comment