Here's why:
* Salmonella and Other Bacteria: Raw chicken often carries harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. These bacteria can cause severe food poisoning with symptoms like fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
* Serious Illness: While rare, severe cases of food poisoning can lead to complications like dehydration, kidney failure, or even death, especially in vulnerable groups (young children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals).
* Prevention: Thoroughly cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) kills most harmful bacteria. Always practice proper food safety measures like washing hands and surfaces, separating raw chicken from other foods, and not letting cooked chicken sit out at room temperature for too long.
In summary: Eating raw chicken is incredibly risky due to the high likelihood of food poisoning. While death is possible in extreme cases, it's far more common to experience severe illness and discomfort. Always cook chicken properly to ensure your safety.