Why does food have to be cooked if it can be eaten raw?

Many food products do not have to be cooked before being
eaten. Most (if not all) vegetables and fruits can be eaten raw, and many people prefer
them in this state. Most seafood can also be eaten raw, and beef can be eaten raw if
prepared properly. It is not advisable to eat most other forms of animal flesh uncooked,
however. Bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E-coli), is present in most meats, and it
can cause sickness and even death. It is preferable to cook pork, poultry, lamb and wild
game. Heat destroys the bacteria present. And, as most people know, cooking meat
generally makes it taste better.