Haggis During Pregnancy: Safe Or Not?

Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs), onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, traditionally encased in a sheep's stomach. It is a beloved Scottish delicacy, but can you eat it when pregnant?

The NHS advises against eating liver or liver products during pregnancy due to their high vitamin A content, which can harm the baby. As liver is one of the main ingredients in haggis, it is generally advised to avoid eating it during pregnancy. However, some haggis recipes do not contain liver and are safe for pregnant women to consume.

Is Haggis Safe During Pregnancy?

Liver is a key ingredient in haggis and should be avoided during pregnancy

Pregnant women are advised to avoid liver and products containing liver, such as sausage, pâté, and haggis. Pâté has the added danger of listeria, which can cause serious illness during pregnancy.

It is important to distinguish between vitamin A from animal/meat sources (called retinol) and from vegetable sources (called beta-carotene). While retinol should be avoided during pregnancy, beta-carotene is safe and used by the body to make vitamin A.

Pregnant women can get safe levels of vitamin A from other foods, such as butter, spreads, eggs, cheese, and oily fish. These foods contain much lower amounts of retinol than liver. Some vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, broccoli, mangoes, and apricots, are good sources of beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A.

It is recommended that pregnant women avoid supplements containing vitamin A, such as cod liver oil, unless advised by their doctor. Instead, they should look for supplements specially formulated for pregnancy, which contain beta-carotene.

Some haggis brands don't contain liver and are safe to eat during pregnancy

It is generally advised that pregnant women avoid eating liver or liver products, including haggis, due to the high vitamin A content, which can be harmful to the developing baby. However, some haggis brands do not contain liver and are safe for pregnant women to consume.

Liver is one of the main ingredients in traditional haggis, and it is rich in vitamin A. While vitamin A is essential for growth and development, excessive intake during pregnancy can lead to congenital disabilities. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to limit their vitamin A consumption to a maximum of 10,000 IU per day.

Fortunately, there are haggis options that do not contain liver and are safe for pregnant women. Macsween's Original Recipe Haggis, for example, states on its website that its haggis does not contain liver and is safe for pregnant women. Vegetarian haggis, made with lentils, oats, and vegetables, is another safe alternative for pregnant women. Brands like Macsween's, Tesco's McIntosh, and Simon Howie offer vegetarian haggis that can be enjoyed during pregnancy.

Proper cooking and storage of haggis are crucial to ensure food safety. It should be cooked until the centre reaches 70 degrees Celsius and maintained at that temperature for two minutes to kill any harmful bacteria. Additionally, haggis should be stored at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent spoilage and the risk of food poisoning.

Pregnant women who crave haggis can safely satisfy their cravings by choosing liver-free haggis options and ensuring proper cooking and storage practices. It is always recommended to consult with a doctor or midwife if there are any uncertainties about the safety of specific foods during pregnancy.

Vegetarian haggis is safe for pregnant women to eat

Pregnant women are advised to avoid eating liver or liver products, such as haggis, due to their high vitamin A content. Too much vitamin A can be harmful to the developing baby and may cause congenital disabilities.

However, vegetarian haggis is a safe and healthy option for pregnant women. It is made with lentils, oats, and vegetables, which provide essential nutrients for both mother and baby.

When choosing vegetarian haggis, be sure to select a reputable brand and check the ingredients list to ensure there are no other harmful components. Proper cooking and storage are also crucial to prevent food poisoning, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby.

Some recommended brands of vegetarian haggis include Macsween's, Tesco's McIntosh, and Simon Howie's. These products are widely available in supermarkets and provide a tasty and nutritious option for pregnant women craving a Scottish delicacy.

While vegetarian haggis is a safe option, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns or questions about your diet during pregnancy. They can provide personalised advice and ensure that you are making informed choices about your health and nutrition.

Food poisoning in pregnant women can cause serious health problems, including premature birth and stillbirth

Food poisoning is a serious concern for pregnant women. Due to changes in their metabolism and circulation, pregnant women are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Their immune systems are also weakened, making it harder for their bodies to fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins that may be present in food. As a result, food poisoning during pregnancy can have severe consequences for both the mother and the unborn child.

For the mother, food poisoning can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms can be dangerous and may require medical attention, especially if dehydration is severe. In some cases, hospitalization and intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.

The risks are even higher for the unborn baby. Food poisoning during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and, in the worst cases, stillbirth or miscarriage. This is because the baby's immune system is still developing, making it difficult for them to fight off foodborne infections. Certain types of food poisoning, such as listeriosis, can cause serious health problems for the baby, including issues with the brain, heart, or kidneys. Listeriosis can be contracted from foods like ready-to-eat meats, poultry, seafood, and dairy products, especially if they are not pasteurized.

To minimize the risk of food poisoning during pregnancy, pregnant women should be cautious about what they eat and how it is prepared. It is important to follow safe food handling practices, such as washing hands before and after handling food, keeping raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods, and cooking food to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Avoiding high-risk foods, such as unpasteurized dairy products, raw or undercooked meat, and runny or raw eggs, is also crucial.

In summary, food poisoning during pregnancy can have severe and potentially devastating consequences for both the mother and the unborn child. By taking precautions and following safe food handling practices, pregnant women can significantly reduce their risk of food poisoning and help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

When in doubt, consult your doctor or midwife before eating haggis during pregnancy

However, it's worth noting that some brands of haggis do not contain liver and are therefore safe to eat during pregnancy. These include vegetarian haggis, which is made with lentils, oats, and vegetables, and is a healthy option for pregnant women.

If you're craving haggis, it's best to get it from a reputable source, like a butcher or supermarket, and to make sure it's cooked and prepared properly. Cooking haggis well will kill any harmful bacteria. It's also important to store haggis at the right temperature to prevent food poisoning, which can cause serious health problems for both the mother and the baby.

In summary, while some types of haggis are safe for pregnant women to eat, it's always best to consult your doctor or midwife if you're unsure. They can provide personalised advice and recommendations based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Frequently asked questions