Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
May 9 , 2024
Boston — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the prominent anti-vaccine activist and nephew of former president John F. Kennedy, took to social media yesterday to share his "favorite recipe" for pork carpaccio - a raw pork dish that health officials warn can pose serious food safety risks.
Kennedy, who has no formal training as a chef, posted a detailed set of instructions for preparing the thinly sliced raw pork delicacy along with photos of the bright red, uncooked meat plated with arugula, parmesan shavings and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
"Nothing beats a good pork carpaccio on a hot summer day!" Kennedy wrote in the caption, going on to describe the dish as "crisp, refreshing and packed with protein."
The post was immediately met with a torrent of criticism from food safety experts, who rushed to condemn the recipe as downright dangerous. Consuming raw or undercooked pork can lead to illnesses caused by parasites like trichinella spiralis, as well as bacteria like salmonella, E. coli and listeria.
"This is extremely reckless and irresponsible messaging that jeopardizes public health," said Dr. Benjamin Chapman, a food safety specialist at North Carolina State University. "There is no way to safely consume raw pork at home. Promoting that is grossly negligent.
"Kennedy has long been a controversial figure, using his elite pedigree to amplify his skepticism of vaccines and science-based medicine despite having no medical credentials himself. His latest foray into culinary disinformation has only further inflamed concerns about the outsize platform his name recognition affords him to spread misinformation.
The Environmental Protection Agency, which Kennedy once headed before his anti-vaccine activism fully took over, swiftly responded to distance itself from the raw pork advice. "The EPA does not have a position on recipes, but we would caution against consuming any raw meat or poultry," a spokesperson said.
As of Wednesday evening, Kennedy's pork carpaccio post remained live on his social media accounts, where it continued to draw outrage, ridicule and pleas for its removal to prevent home chefs from inadvertently poisoning themselves and loved ones. Several former Kennedy associates also weighed in to condemn the culinary counsel.
"Bobby has unfortunately fallen completely off the deep end here," said former speechwriter Bob Shrum. "For the love of god and your own intestinal health, do not take cooking tips from this man."
Kennedy could not be reached for comment on the backlash to his raw pork recipe. It remains unclear if he has actually prepared and consumed the dish himself.
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