Can You Eat Corned Beef When Pregnant?

Corned beef is a popular processed meat that many people love to eat. However, when you become pregnant, you may wonder if it’s still safe to eat corned beef or if you need to avoid it. I completely understand the confusion around eating corned beef during pregnancy. There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about the safety of different foods in pregnancy.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the research and guidelines around eating corned beef when pregnant I’ll explain the key factors to consider and give you clear recommendations on how to enjoy corned beef safely during pregnancy

Overview of Corned Beef

First let’s start with an overview of what exactly corned beef is.

Corned beef is a type of salt-cured beef product. It gets its name from the “corns” of salt used to cure the beef, along with spices like peppercorns. Traditional corned beef is made by curing beef brisket in a brine solution for a period of time. This gives it a distinct pink color and salty, seasoned flavor.

Corned beef is often used to make popular dishes like corned beef sandwiches, Reuben sandwiches, and corned beef hash. It’s also a beloved staple for St. Patrick’s Day and Jewish deli cuisine.

While traditionally made from brisket, corned beef today may also be made from other beef cuts like round, chuck, or rump. It’s also often sold pre-cooked in vacuum-sealed packages versus requiring home preparation.

Is Corned Beef Safe During Pregnancy?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of corned beef, let’s dive into the pressing question: is corned beef considered safe to eat during pregnancy?

The short answer is yes, corned beef is generally safe to consume while pregnant. Most health organizations and experts agree that pregnant women can safely eat corned beef provided it is properly handled and cooked.

However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:

• Avoid deli-style corned beef. Deli meats like corned beef pose a higher risk of contamination from bacteria like Listeria. Pregnant women are advised to only eat deli meats that have been reheated until steaming hot.

• Cook corned beef thoroughly. Fresh corned beef brisket or corned beef hash should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C or hotter. Leftovers should also be thoroughly reheated. Proper cooking helps destroy any harmful bacteria.

• Practice food safety. As with any meat product, follow safe food handling and cooking practices to prevent illness. Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw corned beef. Discard if it has an off smell or appearance.

• Limit sodium intake. Corned beef is very high in sodium. Eating too much while pregnant can contribute to elevated blood pressure and swelling. Enjoy corned beef in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

As long as these precautions are taken, corned beef can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet. Many pregnant women are able to enjoy corned beef sandwiches, hash, and other dishes without issue. However, it’s always best to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

##examining the evidence

To better understand the recommendations around eating corned beef in pregnancy, let’s examine some of the key evidence and guidance:

Listeria Risk

One of the primary concerns with deli meats like corned beef is the risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection. Listeria is a type of harmful bacteria that can contaminate certain foods and cause a disease called listeriosis.

Pregnant women are at higher risk of getting listeriosis, which can cause pregnancy complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, and illness in newborns.

Ready-to-eat meats like deli corned beef pose an increased listeriosis risk if contaminated before packaging. However, heating deli meats to 165°F / 74°C is considered safe and can destroy any Listeria bacteria present.

USDA Recommendations

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises pregnant women against eating deli meats, including corned beef, unless reheated until steaming hot. This is primarily due to the Listeria risk.

However, the USDA states that corned beef brisket and corned beef hash are safe options since they are cooked to at least 160°F / 71°C during processing or at home before serving. Proper cooking helps protect against bacteria.

UK Guidelines

In contrast to the US guidance, recommendations in the United Kingdom do not advise pregnant women against eating corned beef.

UK health agencies state that corned beef is a safe meat product for pregnant women as long as food safety practices are followed during handling and cooking. This is likely because Listeria risks with processed meats are considered lower in the UK versus US.

American Pregnancy Association

The American Pregnancy Association classifies deli-style corned beef as a “limited” food to avoid during pregnancy. They recommend pregnant women eat deli meats only if heated until very hot, which aligns with USDA advice.

However, they do not caution against eating freshly cooked corned beef brisket or hash. Their guidance focuses on the Listeria risk posed by ready-to-eat cold meats versus corned beef dishes that receive thorough cooking at high heat.

tips for eating corned beef safely

Based on the evidence and guidelines, here are some tips for safely eating corned beef if you’re pregnant:

• Skip the deli counter. Avoid pre-packaged deli-style corned beef unless you plan to reheat it until piping hot, over 165°F / 74°C. This includes cold corned beef sandwiches.

• Cook it thoroughly. Cook fresh corned beef brisket and corned beef hash to an internal temperature of at least 160°F / 71°C. Bring leftovers back up to this temperature before eating.

• Practice food safety. Wash hands and cooking surfaces after handling raw corned beef. Refrigerate promptly and discard if smells or looks off.

• Go for lower-sodium options. Look for low-sodium corned beef varieties to help moderate your salt intake.

• Enjoy in moderation. Limit portion sizes and avoid eating corned beef every day to restrict sodium levels.

• Consult your doctor. Speak to your prenatal care provider if you have any questions or concerns around eating corned beef while pregnant.

frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some other common questions about eating corned beef during pregnancy:

Is corned beef hash safe when pregnant?

Yes, corned beef hash is considered safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it is cooked thoroughly until steaming hot. Canned corned beef hash is also safe but should be fully heated before eating.

Can I eat a corned beef sandwich from a restaurant?

It’s best to avoid cold deli-style corned beef sandwiches from restaurants or cafes while pregnant unless the meat is heated until very hot first. The reheating helps protect against Listeria.

What about Reuben sandwiches?

Reuben sandwiches made with hot, freshly grilled corned beef are safe to eat in pregnancy. Just be mindful of the high sodium content. Select lower-sodium ingredients when possible.

Should I avoid corned beef entirely while pregnant?

Most experts agree that it is not necessary to avoid corned beef completely during pregnancy. Having properly handled and cooked corned beef in moderation is unlikely to pose a safety risk.

Can I eat leftover corned beef?

Yes, you can safely eat corned beef leftovers while pregnant as long as you reheat them thoroughly to 165°F / 74°C or until hot. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

the bottom line

Is corned beef off-limits for pregnant women? The answer is no, not completely! With a few safety precautions like proper cooking, handling, and moderation, corned beef can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet. While some ready-to-eat deli corned beef is better to avoid, dishes like hot corned beef brisket and hash are perfectly fine to enjoy.

Of course, it is always wise to consult your doctor if you have any concerns about eating corned beef or other foods during pregnancy. But for most women, savoring the occasional corned beef sandwich or hash can be done without worry. So dig in and savor a bit of that salty, seasoned comfort food if your body is craving it!