Hi Ward,

I was born and raised in Germany.  We used to eat a raw ground pork
mixture  with spices called "Mett" on a buttered roll.  After that we
were able to drink lots of beer and would not get drunk.
Also, tartar steak was eaten at least once a week with a raw egg on
top.  I also remember my grandmother giving me a raw egg mixed with
sugar when I was little.

Never recall  people getting sick.

Maybe the meat is checked more often in Europe, or their regulations are
more strict.   I remember, my girlfriend's father had raised a pig, and
in the fall they  slaughtered it.  There was an inspector present to
check the  meat to make sure there was no sign of trichinosis.

My 2 cents worth.

Regina