Can You Eat Roast Beef When Pregnant? A Complete Safety Guide
Roast beef is a tasty and nutritious meat that many women crave during pregnancy However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind if you want to enjoy roast beef while expecting. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating roast beef during pregnancy
Is Roast Beef Safe to Eat When Pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you can safely eat roast beef while pregnant if it is properly handled and cooked. Lean roast beef provides high-quality protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B6 and B12 – all beneficial nutrients during pregnancy. However, there are some potential risks to be aware of when consuming roast beef.
Undercooked roast beef may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Deli-style roast beef is also at higher risk for Listeria contamination. And roast beef can have higher sodium content.
So while roast beef can be included in a healthy pregnancy diet, it is crucial to take proper safety precautions when storing, preparing, cooking, and consuming it.
How to Choose Safe Roast Beef in Pregnancy
When shopping for roast beef, opt for lean cuts with minimal fat. Fattier cuts like brisket are higher in saturated fat and cholesterol. Also check the sell-by and use-by dates and pick the freshest option.
At the deli counter, choose roast beef that is well-done with no pink coloration. Avoid medium rare deli roast beef. And don’t purchase roast beef from self-serve salad bars or displays.
Look for low-sodium varieties and rinse off brine from enhanced meats to reduce the sodium content.
Safe Handling Tips for Roast Beef While Pregnant
Follow these food safety guidelines when working with raw roast beef at home:
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Defrost frozen roast beef safely in the fridge, never out on the counter.
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Separate raw beef from other foods in your fridge. Store on bottom shelf.
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Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards after handling raw beef.
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Cook roast beef right after defrosting, don’t refreeze raw meat.
These practices prevent cross-contamination of bacteria.
How to Cook Roast Beef to a Safe Temperature
Roast beef must reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F, with a 3 minute rest time after, to be considered safe for pregnant women. Use a food thermometer to verify doneness, as color is not an accurate indicator.
Well-done roast beef should not have any pink coloration inside. The safest method is roasting at 350°F until 145°F is reached internally.
For deli-style roast beef, heat until 165°F or steaming hot before consuming, including sandwiches. Microwave deli meat for 15-20 seconds before eating to reduce Listeria risks.
Reheating Leftover Roast Beef While Pregnant
Refrigerate roast beef leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully to 165°F before eating again. Bring gravy, soup, or sauces with roast beef to a boil when reheating.
Discard any leftovers after 3-4 days – don’t let roast beef linger in the fridge too long. Avoid consumption of roast beef that looks or smells spoiled.
When to Avoid Eating Roast Beef During Pregnancy
There are some instances where roast beef is best avoided entirely during pregnancy:
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If you have a compromised immune system, don’t eat deli-style meats.
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Don’t eat roast beef from self-serve counters or buffets.
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Avoid roast beef past the expiration or use-by date.
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With preeclampsia, a high sodium diet is restricted – limit or avoid deli meats.
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Eliminate all deli meats at least 2 weeks before your due date when Listeria risk increases.
Roast Beef Sandwiches, French Dip, and More
Sandwiches are a popular way many pregnant women enjoy roast beef. You can safely eat hot roast beef sandwiches, French dip sandwiches, paninis, and Philly cheesesteaks during pregnancy if the roast beef is well-done with no pink coloration and served steaming hot.
For cold deli sandwiches, heat the roast beef until steaming first or microwave for 15-20 seconds before assembling and consuming. Avoid rare or medium-rare roast beef sandwiches from delis or restaurants when pregnant.
The Health Benefits of Roast Beef in Pregnancy
When consumed in moderation and prepared properly, roast beef provides some great nutritional benefits for pregnant women:
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High-quality lean protein for baby’s growth and development.
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Important minerals like iron, zinc and selenium.
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Vitamin B6 and B12 for healthy brain and nerve function.
Choose leaner cuts and well-done roast beef, use a food thermometer, and follow food safety practices, and you can safely incorporate this tasty, protein-packed meat into your pregnancy diet. Discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare provider.
The Bottom Line on Eating Roast Beef While Pregnant
Roast beef can be included in a healthy pregnancy diet if cooked to the proper temperature and handled safely. Lean, well-done roast beef offers beneficial nutrition. However, take caution with deli-style roast beef and always reheat until steaming hot before eating. Limit overall deli meat intake during pregnancy.
With some simple adaptations to ensure it is properly cooked and safely handled, roast beef can still be enjoyed occasionally by expectant mothers wanting its flavor and nutritious qualities. Just take steps to minimize any risks. Talk to your doctor and follow their recommended guidelines for consuming roast beef and other deli meats while pregnant.
Why Can’t Pregnant Women Eat Deli Meat?
More than likely you have heard someone share their advice about not eating deli meats while pregnant. You have probably heard others share personal stories about eating deli meats and everything turning out fine.
The good news is that the probability of experiencing a problem from deli meats is very unlikely. Approximately 2,500 individuals will become infected with Listeria annually. This means it is extremely rare. However, the problem for pregnant women is they are more susceptible to get it and their developing babies are more vulnerable to serious complications and even death.
The federal government has taken huge steps in helping to prevent the spread, or exposure, to Listeria. Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking. Cold cuts are now sprayed with a food additive that helps prevent Listeria before packaging.
You don’t need to panic if you are pregnant and have been eating deli meats. The probabilities are in your favor that nothing has happened. When it comes to deli meats it is important you know that the likelihood of being exposed to Listeria is low. On the flip side, you need to know that if your developing baby is exposed to Listeria it can be devastating.
Eating Deli Meats During Your Pregnancy: Is it Safe?
Deli meats refer to cooked meats that have been sliced and prepared for a sandwich and other light dining options. These could easily be called sandwich meat, lunch meat, cold cuts, or sliced meats. Deli meats can be classified as whole cuts, sectioned or formed meats, or processed meats. All types will fall into one of these three categories.
- Whole cut – whole cuts of meat that have been cooked and then sliced
- Sectioned – restructured meats from chunks or pieces bonded to create a single piece
- Processed – similar to sectioned, but may include meat by-products
Deli meats are one of the most common food items across the country. They are found in food chains, grocery stores, and local delis. Because they are so common, many people are surprised to discover there is a negative relationship with pregnancy. Deli meats and pregnancy concerns often have people asking what is wrong with lunch meat during pregnancy?
Can You Eat Beef While Pregnant? | Pregnancy Nutrition Tips
FAQ
Is roast beef ok to eat while pregnant?
Unborn babies are also more susceptible to disease because their immune systems are still developing. Meats to avoid include: Deli meats (such as turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham, prosciutto, and bologna)
Is roast beef a deli meat?
The main difference between deli roast beef vs regular roast beef is that the deli-style roast beef is thinly sliced and usually used on a sandwich while the roast beef is thick cut and served on a plate hot.
Can you eat roast dinner when pregnant?
Basically, if it’s cooked it’s fine. Food restrictions while pregnant are minimal unless your doctor has restricted your diet for another reason (ie gestational diabetes).
What kind of deli meat is safe to eat when pregnant?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that pregnant women “avoid eating hot dogs, lunch meats, cold cuts, other deli meats (such as bologna), or fermented or dry sausages unless they are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot just before serving.”
Can pregnant women eat roast beef?
Consuming lean roast beef in moderation can be an excellent way for pregnant women to meet daily protein and nutrient needs. However, there are some potential risks associated with eating roast beef during pregnancy to be aware of: Undercooked roast beef may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
Can you eat deli meat during pregnancy?
Processed meats to avoid during pregnancy (unless they are heated to the proper temperature) include deli meat (turkey, ham, bologna, chicken, roast beef, prosciutto, and pepperoni), hot dogs, bacon, and sausages. Can I eat roast beef from Arby’s while pregnant? Luncheon meats such as roast beef and turkey aren’t very safe for pregnant people.
Can you eat raw meat during pregnancy?
When it comes to eating meat during pregnancy, you must always make sure your food is completely cooked. Don’t eat anything raw or underdone – now is not the time for steak tartare or a dodgy barbecue burger – as uncooked meat carries the risk of toxoplasmosis. Why shouldn’t you eat rare or raw meat during pregnancy?
Can you eat BBQ meat during pregnancy?
You should be eating 75 to 100g of protein every day during pregnancy. Can you eat barbecue meat when pregnant? In theory, yes, as the same rules about cooking thoroughly apply to meat done on the BBQ.
Can you eat crab meat during pregnancy?
The consumption of rare or undercooked meat is not recommended. The consumption of beef during pregnancy is suggested as part of a healthy pregnancy diet since beef is an excellent source of protein. Is it safe to eat crab meat during pregnancy?
Why should pregnant women eat lean roast beef?
Zinc – boosts immune system and cell division. Vitamin B6 and B12 – supports healthy brain and nerve functioning. Selenium – antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Consuming lean roast beef in moderation can be an excellent way for pregnant women to meet daily protein and nutrient needs.