There are as many types of product called ‘sausage’ as there are questions about it in pregnancy. I decided to write a full guide on how to eat sausage while pregnant because the information out there isn’t very clear, especially when it comes to what exactly is a “sausage.”
Can pregnant women eat sausage and summer sausage? Since sausages are usually served hot and cooked, it is usually safe for pregnant women to eat sausage. When you heat up cold sausage, like summer sausage, the risk of listeria contamination goes down.
Since there are so many ways to eat sausage, you may be wondering if your favorite kind or recipe is safe for pregnant women. To help out, this guide covers almost every sausage you’re likely to come across.
Summer sausage is a tasty snack that many people love to eat. But is it safe for pregnant women to consume? As an expectant mother, it’s important to pay close attention to what you eat to keep both you and your growing baby healthy. Let’s take a closer look at summer sausage and whether it can be part of a pregnant woman’s diet.
What is Summer Sausage?
Summer sausage is a type of fresh pork sausage that is fermented and cured. It has a tangy, salty flavor from bacteria culturing and curing salts. The fermentation process helps preserve the meat so it can be kept at room temperature until opened. Once opened, it must be refrigerated.
Summer sausage comes in many varieties, including beef, turkey, chicken, and combinations. Flavorings like pepper, garlic, smoke, and mustard seed are often added. It has a firm texture and is commonly sliced and eaten as a snack.
Is it Safe For Pregnant Women?
The primary concern with summer sausage and pregnancy is the risk of listeria contamination. Listeria is a harmful bacteria that can lead to illness in pregnant women and potentially cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or illness in newborns.
However, most commercial summer sausages are manufactured in ways that prevent listeria growth. The fermentation, drying, and curing process make it difficult for dangerous bacteria to survive. When properly handled, quality summer sausage poses minimal risks.
Here are some tips for safely enjoying summer sausage while pregnant
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Purchase high-quality, reputable brands – Avoid unknown or questionable brands that may not follow food safety protocols.
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Check the expiration date – Only eat summer sausage before its expiration date, Discard if expired
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Cook thoroughly – Heat until steaming hot before eating to kill any bacteria present,
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Eat freshly cooked – Don’t let it sit out after cooking. Eat while still hot.
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Refrigerate after opening – Keep refrigerated once package is opened and use within 1 week.
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Avoid cross-contamination – Be diligent about washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after contact.
As long as these precautions are taken, most healthy pregnant women can safely indulge in moderate amounts of summer sausage without risk to mom or baby. It’s always smart to check with your doctor about specific dietary restrictions too.
Nutrition Profile of Summer Sausage
In addition to food safety, nutrition is an important consideration for pregnant women. Here is how summer sausage stacks up:
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High in protein – Good source of satisfying protein needed for maternal and fetal growth and development.
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Rich in iron – Provides iron to prevent anemia and aid in increased blood volume during pregnancy.
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Contains vitamins – Has small amounts of B vitamins like niacin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
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High in sodium – Processed meats are very high in sodium, which should be limited during pregnancy.
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High in fat – Up to 75% of calories come from fat, much of it saturated. Fat intake should be moderated.
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May contain preservatives – Preservatives like nitrites and nitrates may be used, which some women prefer to avoid during pregnancy.
Overall, summer sausage can fit into a healthy pregnancy diet in moderation. Balance intake with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, and healthy fats. And be mindful of sodium, fat, and preservative content by enjoying summer sausage in reasonable portions.
Healthy Serving Ideas for Pregnant Women
There are many tasty ways for expectant moms to work summer sausage into their diets safely:
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Slice thinly and enjoy a few pieces as a high-protein snack.
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Dice and add to salads for a meaty topping.
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Chop and include in omelets or breakfast sandwiches.
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Roll up with cheese in crunchy lettuce wraps.
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Slice and serve on crackers for an easy appetizer.
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Cut into cubes for hearty keto-friendly charcuterie boards.
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Mash into a pâté to spread on bread or vegetables.
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Chop and add to pizza, potatoes, soups, or casseroles.
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Grill or pan-fry slices for a quick sausage side.
Sausage Alternatives for Pregnancy
If you decide to avoid summer sausage while pregnant, many other sausage options can satisfy cravings:
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Turkey sausage – Leaner option that’s just as flavorful.
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Chicken sausage – Typically contains less fat and sodium.
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Veggie sausage – Meatless varieties made from soy, legumes, or veggies.
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Fresh sausage – Raw sausage you cook yourself offers more control.
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Pre-cooked sausage – Ready-to-eat varieties just need a quick reheat.
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Low-sodium sausage – Check labels to find lower-sodium varieties.
The Verdict on Eating Summer Sausage While Pregnant
Moderately consuming properly handled, high-quality summer sausage is unlikely to pose major risks for most healthy pregnant women. However, those with compromised immune systems or other medical conditions should exercise more caution and speak to their OB-GYN.
To stay on the safe side, opt for summer sausage in limited amounts along with a well-rounded pregnancy diet. And always make sure to heat it thoroughly before enjoying it fresh and hot. With sensible precautions, summer sausage can still be appreciated during pregnancy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat summer sausage cold while pregnant?
No, pregnant women should always heat up summer sausage very hot before eating to reduce bacteria risk. Eating it cold straight from the fridge is not recommended.
Can I get deli meat style summer sausage while pregnant?
Deli-style summer sausage is not shelf-stable and presents more risks. Pregnant women should only eat shelf-stable summer sausages that do not require refrigeration before opening.
What happens if I eat old summer sausage while pregnant?
Eating expired, old summer sausage could potentially expose you to harmful bacteria that grow over time. Only consume summer sausage before the expiration or use-by date.
Can summer sausage stay out overnight if I’m pregnant?
No, pregnant women should never leave cooked summer sausage sitting out overnight, as bacteria can start growing. Refrigerate or discard any leftovers.
Is it safe to eat summer sausage every day during pregnancy?
It’s best to eat summer sausage in moderation as part of a balanced diet during pregnancy. The high sodium, fat, and preservatives make daily consumption inadvisable.
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Are Sausage Casings OK to eat When Pregnant?
People have also asked if it’s okay to eat all kinds of sausage casing while pregnant. So far, I’ve mostly talked about the sausage fillings.
Most types of sausage casing are safe to eat in pregnancy. This includes natural casing such as pig/hog or sheep intestines or ones manufactured from collagen. Since eating sausages hot and fully cooked is safest, this also applies to the casing.
Sometimes you might find a cured sausage that looks like salami that is wrapped in plastic instead of a natural skin that you can eat. They are stronger and tougher than natural casings. These should be removed – not for a specific reason in pregnancy, but because they’re chewy and inedible!.
When is Sausage Unsafe For Pregnant Women To Eat?
Though sausages come in many forms, they are all made from ground meat and spices that are cooked in different ways, such as smoking, curing, baking, or boiling.
Since sausages are made from ground meat, they should always be cooked or heated up all the way through before being eaten.
Raw meat can have bacteria on the outside, but the bacteria are killed when the meat is cooked because this is where the heat hits them.
Bacteria on the surface of ground meat (or meat substitute), however, effectively gets ‘mixed in’ to the center of the sausage (yum). On top of that, the meat can come from more than one part of an animal, or different parts of it (source: Consumer Reports). The chances of bacterial contamination are increased.
The good news? Cooking sausage all the way through kills harmful bacteria. Bacteria can still grow on the surface of a sausage that has been cooked and then cooled. This is especially true if it has already been sliced, which makes the surface area bigger.
For these reasons, all kinds of sausage are safer when cooked or heated until ‘steaming hot’. A food thermometer is the only way to get an accurate reading on this. Here are the best ones I’ve tried.