Pregnancy Diet: Turkey Sandwiches

is turkey sandwich safe during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings are a powerful force, but before you give in to that turkey sandwich, there are some things you should know. The general consensus is that it's best to avoid processed meats like turkey sandwiches until after the baby is born. Deli meat and other processed foods like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon are, for the most part, off the table during pregnancy. This is because they can carry listeria, a harmful bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious illness for both mother and baby. However, if you can't resist those cold cuts, there are some precautions you can take. The bacteria can be killed by heating the meat to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot.

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Heating a turkey sandwich to 165°F can kill the bacteria Listeria

Listeriosis is an illness caused by the bacteria Listeria, which is especially harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Listeria is a hardy germ that can be difficult to remove from food processing facilities. It can spread from contaminated food to surfaces and can even grow on foods kept in the refrigerator.

However, heating food to a high enough temperature can kill the bacteria. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that pregnant women avoid eating deli meats, such as turkey sandwiches, unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving. This is because deli meats can be contaminated with Listeria during production or preparation, and while cooking or refrigeration can kill germs, the meat can become contaminated again if it touches surfaces with Listeria.

Reheating a turkey sandwich to 165°F can effectively kill the Listeria bacteria and reduce the risk of listeriosis. It is important to note that Listeria does not produce heat-resistant toxins, so it can be completely destroyed by heat. However, it is also important to consume the heated sandwich immediately, as it should not be allowed to stay at room temperature or returned to refrigeration temperatures.

In addition to heating deli meats, there are other ways to reduce the risk of Listeria infection, such as choosing safer foods like hard cheeses, pasteurized milk and dairy products, and "shelf-stable" pâté or meat spreads that are heat-treated and sealed in airtight containers. Keeping the refrigerator clean and maintaining the proper temperatures can also help slow the growth of Listeria.

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Listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious illness for pregnant women and their unborn babies

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called listeriosis. It is often associated with processed meats, such as deli meats, hot dogs, and cold cuts. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of contracting listeriosis, with estimates suggesting they are about 10 times more likely to get the infection than the general population. Listeriosis can have severe consequences for both the mother and the unborn baby.

During pregnancy, the mother's immune system is compromised to some degree, making it easier for Listeria to take hold. While listeriosis may cause only mild flu-like symptoms or even be asymptomatic in the mother, it can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labour, and fetal growth issues. Furthermore, mothers can get seriously ill, experiencing fevers, diarrhea, and bloodstream infections.

Listeriosis can also have devastating effects on the unborn baby. It can cause severe infections of the blood or brain, leading to long-term health problems, including intellectual disabilities, paralysis, seizures, blindness, and problems with the brain, kidneys, or heart. In some cases, listeriosis can even result in death in newborns.

To prevent listeriosis, pregnant women should avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses. It is also important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and utensils, and ensuring food is cooked thoroughly and stored at the correct temperatures.

While the risks of listeriosis are serious, they can be mitigated by following these precautionary measures and staying informed about food safety guidelines.

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Deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, and bacon are off the table during pregnancy

Deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, and bacon are, for the most part, off the table during pregnancy. This is due to the risk of listeria contamination. Listeria is a harmful bacterium that can be found in refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy. If consumed, it can cause listeriosis, a serious illness for a mother-to-be or her unborn baby.

Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults and make up an estimated one-sixth of all cases. Listeria can cause a significant gastrointestinal infection with vomiting and diarrhea, and it is one of the few infectious agents that can cross the placenta and cause an infection in the baby or a miscarriage. Even if the mother doesn't feel particularly sick, the baby could still become ill.

The good news is that there are precautions you can take if you do need to consume these foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that pregnant women "avoid eating hot dogs, lunch meats, cold cuts, other deli meats (such as bologna), or fermented or dry sausages unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving."

This is because heating the meats to this temperature kills any lurking bacteria. It is important to note that simply cooking the meat may not be sufficient to kill the bacteria, as listeria contamination can occur after cooking but before packaging. Therefore, it is crucial to heat the meat to the recommended temperature before consuming it.

In addition to the risk of listeria, the World Health Organization has classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence that consuming processed meat causes colorectal cancer. While the occasional hot dog or BLT is likely fine, it is still recommended to limit consumption of these foods.

So, what can you eat instead? Freshly roasted meats, such as in-house freshly roasted turkey, chicken, or roast beef, are a safer option. Fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon, tilapia, shrimp, canned tuna (light), cod, and catfish, are also good alternatives, as they contain vital nutrients needed during pregnancy.

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Freshly roasted meats are a safer option from the deli counter

Pregnant women are advised to avoid eating deli meats, including turkey sandwiches, to prevent listeriosis, a serious illness caused by the bacteria listeria. Listeria can cause a significant gastrointestinal infection with vomiting and diarrhea and, if consumed by pregnant women, can even lead to miscarriage, poor fetal growth, preterm labor and birth, stillbirth, and infected mothers and babies.

However, if you're still craving something from the deli, freshly roasted meats are a safer option.

Freshly roasted meats, such as in-house freshly roasted turkey, chicken, or roast beef, are less likely to be contaminated with listeria, as they are not processed or exposed to the same packaging environment as deli meats. Deli meats are often exposed to the environment and bacteria during packaging, and listeria can grow at normal refrigeration temperatures, making other foods in your fridge susceptible to cross-contamination.

By choosing freshly roasted meats, you reduce the risk of listeria contamination and its potential complications.

How to Choose Freshly Roasted Meats

When selecting freshly roasted meats from the deli counter, opt for fresh, high-quality options without preservatives or additives. Go for lean meats like ham, turkey, chicken, or lean beef roast, which are low in calories and good sources of low fat.

Organic, grass-fed meats that are not injected with growth hormones or antibiotics are also a healthier choice during pregnancy.

Cooking and Storing Freshly Roasted Meats

Even though freshly roasted meats have a lower risk of listeria contamination, it is still important to handle and cook them properly.

When cooking freshly roasted meats, ensure they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving. This temperature kills any bacteria that may be present.

In terms of storage, freshly roasted meats should be kept in the refrigerator at 40°F or below and consumed within a few days.

Benefits of Freshly Roasted Meats

In addition to being a safer option during pregnancy, freshly roasted meats offer several nutritional benefits. They are a good source of protein, vitamins (B12, B6), and minerals (iron, zinc). Incorporating them into a balanced diet can help meet the essential nutrient requirements during pregnancy.

So, if you're craving a deli sandwich during pregnancy, opt for freshly roasted meats and follow the proper cooking and storage guidelines to reduce any potential risks.

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Cross-contamination can occur when the juice from sausages, deli meat, and other processed foods leak onto other items

Cross-contamination is a serious issue that can lead to food poisoning. It occurs when bacteria are transferred from one food to another, usually when raw food touches or leaks onto other foods. This can happen directly, through direct contact, or indirectly, via hands, work surfaces, or equipment.

To prevent cross-contamination, it is important to follow basic food safety practices. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw foods, especially meat and fish. Use separate utensils, chopping boards, and work surfaces for raw and ready-to-eat foods. Keep raw foods covered and stored separately from other foods, with ready-to-eat foods like fruits and salads kept away from raw meat at all times.

In the context of pregnancy, cross-contamination can have more severe consequences. Pregnant women are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses as their immune systems are focused on protecting the growing baby. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent cross-contamination, especially when handling sausages, deli meats, and other processed foods that may contain harmful bacteria such as listeria.

Listeria is a type of bacteria commonly associated with processed and deli meats, hot dogs, soft cheeses, smoked seafood, and other ready-to-eat foods. It can cause listeriosis, a serious illness that has devastating complications for both the mother and the developing baby, including miscarriage, poor fetal growth, preterm labor, stillbirth, and infections.

To prevent listeriosis, it is recommended to heat deli meats to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving. These meats should be consumed immediately and not returned to the refrigerator. By following these guidelines and maintaining proper food handling and storage practices, pregnant women can reduce the risk of cross-contamination and its potential health risks.

Frequently asked questions

What is listeriosis?

How can I reduce the risk of listeriosis when eating a turkey sandwich?

Are there any other precautions I should take when eating a turkey sandwich during pregnancy?

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