During pregnancy, a person’s immune system goes through some major changes. As a result, pregnant people are more susceptible to infections and foodborne illnesses. In fact, about one-sixth of food poisoning cases from Listeria occur in pregnant people.
So, if you want to know about eating deli meat while pregnant is safe and why, keep reading.
Foodborne Illness
The most common foodborne illness is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The resulting infection, Listeriosis, often results from contaminated deli meats or hot dogs. Outbreaks occasionally occur in dairy products, celery, cantaloupe, and packaged salads.
Pregnant people, those 65 and older, or the immunocompromised are more vulnerable to infections from pathogens like Listeria. During pregnancy, you are around 10x more susceptible to Listeriosis.
A parent can pass the infection on to unborn babies. Such infections have even been linked to loss of pregnancy, stillbirth, early delivery, and death in infants.
What’s Wrong with Eating Deli Meat While Pregnant?
Advice like do not eat deli meat during pregnancy or eating eggs, dairy, nuts, and wheat products will increase your unborn baby’s chance of developing food allergies are passed down from generation to generation. However, thanks to advancements in science and technology, we know that neither of these common pregnancy food tips are true.
If you are wondering about whether you can eat deli meat during your pregnancy, it depends. It can be safe, but it depends on the brand, method of processing, and storage.
Deli Meat Processing
Deli meat processing influences “how long does deli meat last”. A standard method of preserving meat is thermal treatment to control foodborne pathogens. In rare cases, this process may not be enough to keep levels of bacteria at safe levels.
Thermal processing can underperform, or not properly treat products due to changes in packaging, conditions, or processing environment.
Additional preservation methods include the use of nitrates and nitrites. They are salts with anti-microbial properties often used in deli meat. These additives are not necessarily dangerous on their own. But, high heat and some digestive enzymes can cause nitrates and nitrites to create carcinogenic byproducts.
Added nitrates and nitrites are found in
- Cured deli meats
- Ham
- Bacon
- Dry sausages
- Hot dogs
- Packaged seafood
Is Deli Meat Bad for You?
Added nitrates and nitrates aren’t good for anyone, and thermal processing isn’t always effective. However, deli meat can still be a part of a well-balanced diet during pregnancy. The preservation technique known as high pressure processing (HPP) makes deli meat last longer and eliminates food-damaging pathogens.
The healthiest deli meat uses HPP as no unhealthy preservatives as needed. It is capable of neutralizing harmful and potentially lethal bacterium like Listeria. Make sure the deli meat you buy uses HPP tech, and you store it properly.
You Can Still Enjoy Deli Meat
Now you know what kind of deli meat while pregnant is safe to eat, you can shop for your favorite products. Deli meats using HPP technology to deliver for preservation are safer and reduce risks of bacterial contamination. You can always address any concerns with a healthcare professional.
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