What's the deal with deli meat in pregnancy?

It bugs me a lot that pregnant people are infantilized and treated as if they have no agency in deciding what level of risk is right for them. Pregnant people are adults capable of making rational decisions, and with accurate information can make appropriate choices for their bodies. That's why I'm really not a fan of telling pregnant people to absolutely avoid at all costs a long list of foods. Instead, I provide education on the risks of certain foods, and how one might mitigate those risks if choosing to incorporate said food.

 
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So, what's the deal with deli meat in pregnancy?

Deli meat, cold cuts and hot dogs are a common source of food poisoning from a bacterium called listeria monocytogenes that survives cold temperatures and can live on the machinery used to produce these products if not cleaned properly. However, deli meat is a really great source of protein in pregnancy, especially for people with gestational diabetes who need a variety of options. That’s why it’s important to really dig into the risks to see what food choices are right for you.

 
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What are the risks?

  • Pregnant people are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults

  • An estimated 1/6 of all Listeria cases occur in pregnant people

  • Every year, about 1,600 people get listeriosis in the US

  • Listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and preterm labor, as well as serious illness and even death in newborns

  • Deli meat is not the only source of listeria; there is currently an outbreak linked to queso fresco and outbreaks in the past have been linked to other unpasteurized soft cheeses, salad mixes, cantaloupe and more.

 
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How can you minimize risk?

  1. Heat it up! Microwave or pan-fry hot dogs and deli meats to 165 F (or until steaming hot if you don't have a meat thermometer)

  2. Check the CDC website for recalls and outbreak info for other foods in addition to deli meats

Looking for meal ideas for hot deli meat or hot dogs? Try:

  • Grilled ham and cheese sandwich

  • Turkey and mozzarella panini

  • Hot roast beef, swiss cheese and dijon sandwich

  • Hot Reuben sandwich (pastrami + swiss on rye)

  • Loaded bratwurst or regular hot dog on a bun, piping hot

If you’re having difficulty navigating food safety and other aspects of nutrition during pregnancy, I’d love to work with you! Learn more about working with me 1:1 and apply to my wait-list. If you’re looking to be supported in a community setting, check out my online course + community Fully Nourished Pregnancy!