Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts by Dr. Elisabeth Aron

Author:Dr. Elisabeth Aron [Aron, Elisabeth A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-7679-2089-6
Publisher: Harmony/Rodale
Published: 2008-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Hot dogs

Hot dogs, a.k.a. frankfurters, are made of either pork or beef and are often topped with mustard, sauerkraut, beans, relish, cheese, and/or ketchup.

concerns: A study in 2001 by the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (FSIS/USDA) determined that many pregnant women were either not aware of the dangers of certain foods or did not handle these foods properly in the home. It is important to know that you are at risk for several food borne illnesses that can be contracted through eating improperly prepared hot dogs during pregnancy.

Listeria (see Listeria) and Campylobacter (see Campylobacter) can contaminate hot dogs. Pregnant women are 20 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. Infection with Listeria and Campylobacter can both cause preterm labor, miscarriage, and stillbirth. It is important to follow USDA recommendations on storage times and promptly refrigerate all hot dogs and deli meats. Make sure your refrigerator is setto40°F/4.5°Cor below. Do not use if the product freshness date has passed. Cooking these foods until steaming hot or using a meat thermometer (heat to 165°F/74°C) will ensure that all of the harmful bacteria are killed.

Hot dogs cured with nitrates and nitrites (see Nitrates and nitrites) have been associated with low birth weights and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder resulting in low oxygen) in laboratory animals.

the bottom line: Careful cooking prior to eating will eliminate any harmful bacteria. Do not eat hot dogs unless they are steaming hot. Do not forget to clean up properly so you do not contaminate other foods with unwashed cutting boards (see Cutting boards) and knives. Consider nitrate-free hot dogs to reduce any risks to the baby.

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