Pulled my beef roast out of the slow cooker and saw these weird white stringy things poking out of the meat. They look like little worms or parasites. Is the meat infested?

9. What Butchers and Food Scientists Say About the Phenomenon
Butchers and food scientists agree that the appearance of white strings in slow-cooked beef is typically due to the breakdown of connective tissues. They emphasize that this is a normal and expected part of cooking certain cuts of beef, especially those with high collagen content.

They also note that this phenomenon is often misunderstood and wrongly attributed to spoilage or contamination. Education about meat structure and cooking processes can alleviate consumer concerns and enhance the eating experience.