Foods to Limit or Cook Thoroughly During Pregnancy
Food-safety guidance inspired by CDC/NHS/FDA themes: deli meats, unpasteurized dairy, high-mercury fish, and undercooked foods.
Keywords
Pregnancy Meal Planner Team · Pregnancy Meal Planner Nutrition Editorial (WHO/CDC/NHS/ACOG)
Introduction
When pregnant, it's essential to choose safe and healthy foods to protect the health of both mother and baby. In this article, we'll provide information on foods that pregnant women should limit or cook thoroughly to avoid health risks.
Foods to Limit
According to reliable sources like the CDC, NHS, and FDA, there are certain foods that pregnant women should limit or avoid altogether, including:
* Deli meats and processed meat products: These can contain Listeria bacteria, which can cause health problems for mother and baby.
* Unpasteurized dairy products: Unpasteurized dairy products can contain bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause health problems for mother and baby.
* High-mercury fish: High-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel can contain high levels of mercury, which can harm baby's development.
* Undercooked or raw foods: Undercooked or raw foods like sushi, sashimi, and raw eggs can contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause health problems for mother and baby.
Foods to Cook Thoroughly
To ensure food safety, pregnant women should cook the following foods thoroughly:
* Meat and poultry: Cook meat and poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that bacteria are killed.
* Eggs: Cook eggs to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that bacteria are killed.
* Seafood: Cook seafood to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure that bacteria are killed.
Practical Tips
To ensure food safety, pregnant women can follow these tips:
* Always check food labels to ensure that they have been pasteurized or cooked thoroughly.
* Cook food at high temperatures to ensure that bacteria are killed.
* Avoid eating processed or pre-cooked foods.
* Consult a meal planner to get a safe and healthy eating plan.
When to Seek Help
If pregnant women have any questions or concerns about food safety, they should consult their doctor or a registered dietitian. They can provide specific information and advice to help pregnant women ensure food safety and maintain good health.
Reliable Sources
For accurate and up-to-date information on food safety, pregnant women can consult reliable sources like:
* CDC: People at Risk: Pregnant Women — Food Safety
* NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy
* FDA: EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish
Explore on Pregnancy Meal Planner
Use these Pregnancy Meal Planner pages next — each link goes to a different part of the site:
Frequently asked questions
- Are deli meats safe for pregnant women?
- No, deli meats can contain Listeria bacteria, which can cause health problems for mother and baby.
- Can high-mercury fish harm baby's development?
- Yes, high-mercury fish can contain high levels of mercury, which can harm baby's development.
- How can pregnant women ensure food safety?
- Pregnant women can ensure food safety by checking food labels, cooking food at high temperatures, and avoiding processed or pre-cooked foods.
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