Chiang Mai Resident Discovers Parasite Eggs in Buffalo Offal
A Chiang Mai man abandoned plans to prepare a traditional raw buffalo dish after discovering numerous parasite eggs in the offal he purchased.
On September 28, 2026, a resident of Chiang Mai named Phiphat reported a disturbing discovery while preparing a meal for friends. Phiphat had purchased two kilograms of buffalo meat and offal, intending to prepare 'Sa Chin,' a traditional Northern Thai dish typically served raw.
While handling the offal, locally referred to as 'pineapple eyes,' he noticed numerous white, sago-like granules embedded in the tissue. Upon boiling the meat, these granules surfaced, confirming his suspicion that they were parasite eggs. Disturbed by the find, Phiphat immediately canceled his plans to serve the raw dish. Instead, he opted to prepare 'Kaeng Om,' a traditional curry, ensuring the meat was thoroughly cooked to eliminate potential health risks.
This incident serves as a reminder for residents and travelers alike regarding the importance of food safety when consuming local delicacies. While raw meat dishes are a staple of Northern Thai culinary culture, they carry inherent risks of parasitic infection if the ingredients are not sourced from certified, hygienic suppliers or if they are not prepared with extreme caution. Health authorities consistently advise that thorough cooking is the most effective method to neutralize parasites found in raw meat. It remains to be confirmed whether the specific batch of meat purchased by Phiphat was an isolated case or part of a wider distribution issue in the local market.
