Pregnant women can eat hot dogs if cooked to an internal temperature of 165f/75c and are steaming hot when served. Hot dogs can be cooked safely to reduce the risk of listeria by grilling or microwaving. Hot dogs that are lukewarm or uncooked are unsafe during pregnancy.
Additional concerns about hot dogs and related products include whether or not to consume all-beef, nitrate-free, or versions that are packaged in cans, jars, or tins. In order to help you choose what to eat safely while pregnant, I’ve attempted to cover each of these below.
Can Pregnant Women Never Have Hot Dogs?
Does that imply you should completely avoid the risk and not serve hot dogs?
Not necessarily.
It’s critical to be aware of the risks because listeria is a terrible bacteria. However, if food is fully cooked, it is also fairly simple to kill. If your hot dog has been grilled or boiled to an internal temperature of 165°F, it’ll be safe to eat.
And that’s the key—never eat a hot dog that you don’t think has been fully cooked.
When you don’t cook the hot dogs yourself, eating them while pregnant becomes more challenging.
For instance, street vendors frequently heat their hot dogs in water, but the temperature of the water is typically insufficient to completely eliminate the risk of food poisoning. It might be best to hold off on repurchasing one of these old favorites until your baby is born because there is a remote chance that you might become infected with listeria as a result.
Therefore, if you’re in charge, eat as many hot dogs as you want. It might be best to avoid the area if someone else is cooking and you can’t see it happening.
What Kinds of Hot Dogs Are Safe to Eat in Pregnancy?
Because they are made of processed meat, hot dogs should be eaten with some caution. Hot dogs must be thoroughly cooked to a temperature that kills Listeria monocytogenes, the pathogenic bacteria that causes listeriosis, as they may contain listeria or become contaminated with it after manufacture.
A serious but uncommon foodborne illness called listeriosis can have serious effects on pregnancy, including miscarriage.
Rather than the material it is made of, the temperature at which hot dogs are cooked and served determines their safety. Hot Dogs should be heated to an internal temperature of 165F/75c.
If you’re making them yourself, you could use a meat thermometer to check this, or if you’re eating at a BBQ or somewhere else, the hot dog should be “steaming hot” and not just “warm.”
Extra caution should be taken when cooking hot dogs from frozen, particularly on the grill or BBQ. They might appear to be cooked on the outside, but the inside may still be cool or undercooked. To be absolutely certain, there is only one reliable method: use a meat thermometer.
What Kind of Hot Dogs Are Unsafe for Pregnant Women?
Basically, anything that isn’t consumed right away after being cooked and while it’s still hot. Real-life examples of hot dogs that would be unsafe to eat in pregnancy are:
- any that are uncooked, straight from the pouch, jar, or packet, etc. Cook them to a steaming hot state initially.
- One that is purchased from a street vendor, hot dog stand, gas station, or other establishment where the hot dogs are kept warm but not hot. This includes the ones you see rolling around on a hot plate or kept in groups in warm water prior to being put in the bun.
- Hot dogs that have been cooked, taken off the grill or barbeque, plate, and then left for a while.
- hot dogs that have been cooked previously and combined with another food (e.g. chopped up in a salad)
- Any hot dog, whether cooked or uncooked, that has been improperly stored, i.e. left out at room temperature or too long out of the fridge. Included in this are hot dogs that were prepared after being left uncooked for an extended period of time somewhere warm or at room temperature.
How to Cook Hot Dogs to Make Them Pregnancy-Safe
Any of the common methods for preparing hot dogs are acceptable; the key is to ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 175°F/75°C.
When making your own hot dogs, make sure to consume them right away and avoid letting them sit or cool down for an extended period of time. Make sure they are thoroughly cooked when cooking from frozen.
A general overview of cooking techniques is provided below, but keep in mind that hot dogs come in a variety of styles, sizes, and recipes. Always check the cooking instructions on the packet and ensure that the hot dog is steaming hot and served/eaten immediately.
- Grilling or Broiling– Cook hot dogs until they are steaming and sizzling. Eat a hot dog or brat that has just been cooked, not one that has been taken off the grill and stood around for a while, if you’re at a BBQ or hosting one yourself.
- Boiling– rather than merely simmering the hot dogs in water as many packet instructions tell you to do, boil the hot dogs instead for a good 2-3 minutes. When pulled from the water, the hot dogs should be scalding hot. Before serving, remove the hot dogs from the warm water as soon as possible.
- Microwaving – it’s common to microwave hot dogs with some water in a microwave-safe bowl. The hot dog can also be cooked in a microwave for about a minute by wrapping it in a paper towel, though this depends on the strength of your appliance. This situation also falls under the “steaming hot” rule.
- Oven baking– hot dogs can be oven-baked for around ten minutes at about 350F/175c too cook them thoroughly but again, check the instructions given. They should be turned frequently to ensure even heating throughout.
Why Can’t Pregnant Women Eat Cold, Raw Or Uncured Hot Dogs?
Since hot dogs are typically pre-cooked, when someone inquires if they can consume one “raw,” they usually mean eaten cold straight from the packet, pouch, or jar. Hot dogs are frequently kept in vacuum pouches, brine, or other types of water.
Despite being cooked at the time of manufacture, hot dogs are more prone to listeria contamination due to the way they are made and then later stored.
Listeria in hot dogs poses a dual threat because it can break out in factories at any point during the production process in any of their equipment. Although it’s uncommon, it does occasionally happen.
Products are usually only recalled after a problem has been identified, such as the outbreak at Bil Mar Foods in 1999 affecting over 100 people (source: jfoodprotection) and Bar-S Foods in 2016 (source: CNN).
Second, if the hot dogs aren’t cooked to a temperature high enough to kill microbes, the antimicrobial coatings or additives used to preserve the hot dogs for sale might not be sufficient or might fail.
Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes listeria infection, is one of those microbes that is only destroyed when the cooking temperature (internal temperature) exceeds 165 f/75 c. Even when kept chilled, listeria prefers places that are cool, dark, and moist.
Eating a hot dog cold, lukewarm or straight out of the packet increases the risk of it being contaminated with listeria, which is why pregnant people should avoid uncooked hot dogs.
What Happens to Pregnant Women Eat Uncooked Or Undercooked Hot Dogs?
A cold, raw hot dog can sometimes be too alluring to resist. A registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist and the founder of 360Girls & Women, Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, tells Romper that eating an uncooked or undercooked hot dog during pregnancy can have a number of negative health effects on both you and your unborn child. “In pregnancy, the immune system changes and thus becomes more vulnerable to illness, especially in the third trimester, caused by bacteria or parasites in foods such as listeria or toxoplasma gondii,” says Anderson-Haynes. Although listeria can cause flu-like symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, and nausea, “if the infection reaches the nervous system, it can cause symptoms like convulsions, and disorientation, which increases the risk for miscarriage and premature birth,” she says.
As you cruise the aisles in the supermarket trying to decipher what you can and can’t consume, the good news is that having the occasional hot dog won’t hurt you during your pregnancy. Find a better-quality dog, make sure it’s heated properly, and try to only give it to them occasionally as a treat. In this manner, you are able to enjoy your hot dog without risk.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Hot Dogs Containing Nitrates?
At present, the FDA in the USA and its counterparts in other countries such as the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) consider that the amount of nitrates present in food is at a safe level for consumers.
The FDA specifies that nitrates (or sodium nitrate) should be limited to fewer than 500 ppm (parts per million) in food manufacture to make it safe (source: FDA).
Nitrates are naturally found in some foods, but hot dogs have them added as a preservative and to keep their color. Nitrosamine compounds, which are known to be carcinogenic, are created in the body when we consume nitrate-containing food.
However, no conclusive research has been done to determine whether nitrates (at the levels found in food) have any harmful effects on pregnant women or their unborn children.
There is, of course, the consideration that hot dogs aren’t a nutritionally wise choice in pregnancy anyway, because they are high in fat and salt/sodium and aren’t a nutrient-dense food. It would be better to think about reducing your intake of hot dogs (or avoiding them entirely) when pregnant because they also contain nitrates.
As with many foods that are processed, hot dog consumption should be moderated in pregnancy where possible. If you’re going to eat a hot dog, consider choosing a nitrate-free brand, which are more widely available and are carried by many supermarkets.
What About All-beef, Veggie Or Turkey Hot Dogs When I’m Pregnant?
Like the packaging method, the ingredients in the hot dog vary but it’s still the cooking temperature that counts. Listeria is not just a bacteria found in meat; it can also flourish in vegetables.
Pork hot dogs are just as susceptible to listeria contamination as all-beef ones are. The same is true for hot dogs made from turkey or alternative ingredients like soy protein.
Hot dogs should still be thoroughly cooked to the same internal temperature before being consumed during pregnancy because all hot dogs, regardless of what’s in them, are considered processed foods and are frequently made in the same factories as standard meat products.
Veggie or turkey hot dogs may be lower in fat than their pork or beef counterparts, but they’re still not the best food option for you if you’re pregnant.
Can I Eat Hot Dogs in the First, Second and Third Trimesters?
Any stage of pregnancy can safely eat a hot dog if it is fully cooked to the point of steaming hotness. However, keep in mind that hot dogs are not a healthy food.
They have a lot of calories, fat, salt, and sodium, and they also have nitrates. Pregnancy is a time when nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods should be consumed in moderation.
Read about Is A Hotdog A Taco?
Are Hot Dog Toppings Safe in Pregnancy?
Of course, hot dogs aren’t typically consumed by themselves. Here’s a common list of items that either come part of, or as a topping on a hot dog that you also need to consider if you’re pregnant:
- Hot Dog Buns– although there is nothing unsafe about eating regular hot dogs buns, pregnant women should try to opt for whole grain / whole wheat or brown bread where possible, though many hot dogs buns are usually made with white bread only.
- Mustard, relish, salsa and ketchup– all of these are safe to eat if you’re pregnant. But keep in mind that some can be quite acidic, which may make your indigestion or other discomfort worse if you were prone to it during pregnancy.
- Onions– raw, fried or crispy – these are also safe for pregnant women to consume but may carry the same risk of indigestion.
- Coleslaw and mayonnaise– not often seen on hot dogs, but each to their own! Pregnant women should only eat salads with mayonnaise that has been pasteurized. Even so, coleslaw is probably best avoided. The same holds true for any additional slaw-related component, such as sauerkraut.
- Cheese should be pasteurized. This is often the case if it’s processed cheeseor cheese slices, which should be safe in pregnancy. Check the type of cheese being used if you have any doubts. Usually, hard cheeses are acceptable.
- Salad, (e.g. lettuce) if not prepared yourself, should be avoided as it may be contaminated with listeria if not thoroughly washed.
- Keep in mindthat listeria and other microbes can grow under refrigeration on common hot dog toppings if they’re left too long or aren’t stored properly.
It’s wise to use common sense when it comes to food during pregnancy, as with many other things. Avoid consuming hot dogs that have spent the entire day swimming in stale brine and are only slightly warm. Avoid using the sun-tinted bottle of ketchup and avoiding toppings that might be contaminated.
To be on the safe side, hot dogs are better made at home where you can regulate and watch the temperature of both the hot dog’s cooking as well as anything added to it. In light of this, pregnant women can consume hot dogs in moderation.
What’s the Matter With Hot Dogs During Pregnancy?
You’ve probably noticed that there are a lot of different viewpoints on what you should and shouldn’t do (or eat) while pregnant. Even though you don’t have to pay attention to every single one of them, it can occasionally be worthwhile.
The two main concerns about hot dogs during pregnancy are:
- They don’t provide much in the way of nutrition for either you or your baby, and they aren’t very good for you. (But let’s be honest, that probably wasn’t the reason you were craving one in the first place.)
- Hot dogs have been linked to a pretty nasty form of food poisoningcalled listeriosis.
Eating hot dogs while pregnant carries the same risk as eating any other kind of deli meat which has been pre-cooked and then served cold. After being pre-cooked, they may become contaminated with a type of bacteria known as listeria. These bacteria have the potential to cause listeriosis.
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
What should you therefore avoid these days? These are the foods and beverages you should avoid until your baby is born.
Alcohol
Plan to toast joyful occasions with a mocktail or fruit-juice spritzer for the next 40 or so weeks. Even if you’ve heard that having a drink or two occasionally is okay, it’s best to err on the side of caution when you have a baby with you.
Why? Because whatever you consume has the same effect on your baby’s bloodstream as it does on yours and takes twice as long to leave.
Had a few drinks just before learning you were pregnant? Try not to be alarmed; it happens to lots of moms (what a relief!) it’s not a cause for concern.
Unpasteurized Dairy and Juices
Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that unpasteurized milk is never available in supermarkets. However, soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk are a different matter entirely because they are more likely to contain pathogens like listeria.
Stick with hard cheeses like Swiss or cheddar to stay safe, or make sure the cheese is made with pasteurized milk by reading the label. Do you yearn for blue-veined cheeses, feta, Brie, Camembert, goat cheese, and queso fresco? Make sure they are made with pasteurized ingredients by checking first, or heat them until bubbly.
While cheddar and other hard cheeses are generally regarded as being safe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning in November 2022 following a listeria outbreak that left 16 people ill. Sliced cheeses from the deli counter should be avoided during this outbreak or heated first.
Unpasteurized juices like apple cider and freshly squeezed OJ should also be avoided. What about treated juice (fruit juices that have been treated to kill bacteria but are still unpasteurized and sold in farmer’s markets and health food stores)? Providing UV radiation was used to treat it, it should be alright.
Too Much Caffeine
Even if you were accustomed to drinking triple-shot lattes every day before becoming pregnant, it’s time to at least some of those caffeinated shots for decaf ones.
While your doctor might approve of one small cup of coffee per day during your pregnancy, you should try to limit your daily caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg. A body’s ability to absorb iron can be hampered by too much caffeine, which can result in anemia.
You should watch how much soda and energy drinks you consume in addition to breaking your caffeine addiction. (For instance, a can of Mountain Dew has 54 mg of caffeine, whereas a can of Red Bull has 80 mg.)
Raw Or Underdone Seafood
Would you like some sashimi-style tuna? Having a problem with those oysters on the half shell? Remember that raw or even seared seafood is off-limits during pregnancy because the risk of ingesting bacteria and parasites along with your meal is too high. This is important to know before you visit your favorite raw bar or neighborhood sushi restaurant.
So you’ll just have to say “no” to raw oysters, clams, ceviches, fish tartares and carpaccios, along with the smoked stuff (like lox) that can also harbor illness-inducing parasites and bacteria. (However, you are able to consume smoked seafood when it is included in a cooked dish, such as a casserole.)
You shouldn’t avoid going to your favorite Japanese restaurant for the ensuing nine months, but you should be cautious about what you order. For instance, most restaurants have a sushi bar where you can order rolls made with cooked seafood or vegetables! All you need to do is make sure that any seafood you order is properly prepared; the fish should flake and the shellfish should be firm.
Rare Or Underdone Meat
Now is not the time to notice pink or red coloring in your meat. (This is also true for pork and poultry, but most people prefer to eat those foods well-done.) Therefore, you must avoid eating blood-red meat even though you may have cooked (or ordered) that steak medium-rare before your baby arrived.
Undercooked meat, including poultry, can contain bacteria like E. coli, trichinella and salmonella (all of which can cause a bad case of food poisoning) or cause toxoplasmosis.
And what happens if the restaurant burger you ordered turns out to be a little bit too pink? Sending it back is okay; don’t be afraid. Being timid at this time is not appropriate.
Hot Dogs and Deli Meat
Even though the double turkey, salami, and onion sandwich with extra mustard might be tempting your taste buds, it might not be the healthiest choice available at the moment.
You should avoid eating foods that have been preserved with nitrates and nitrites as a pregnant woman because these chemicals (in high amounts) are harmful to a developing fetus.
You might want to avoid eating hot dogs and pâté along with that double-decker sandwich. These foods also have a slight chance of containing listeria.
As an alternative, use nitrate-free lunch meats that have been heated until they are steaming to kill any bacteria before you eat them (turkey melt, anyone?).
Raw Or Undercooked Eggs
While it may seem obvious to avoid raw or runny eggs, you’ll find them in more places than just the delicious bits of batter that stick to the spatula. Avoid eating soft scrambled eggs, homemade ice cream or mousse, raw batter or cookie dough, homemade mayonnaise, tiramisu, and homemade eggnog unless they were made with pasteurized eggs.
Skip the hollandaise sauce and Caesar dressings (unless you’re positive they weren’t made with eggs; bottled, shelf-stable Caesars are usually fine), and make sure your breakfast omelets and scrambles are fully cooked. You don’t want to risk contracting salmonella, just as you shouldn’t consume raw meat or poultry.
To be absolutely safe, confirm that the eggs you purchase have been kept chilled and that the sell-by date hasn’t passed.
High-mercury Fish
You already know that fish is a great source of mood- and brain-boosting omega-3s. It’s simple to become confused about which types of fish are high in mercury and which types are safe to eat when it comes to eating fish while pregnant.
The following fish should be avoided because they contain the most mercury: shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, orange roughy, and bigeye tuna. You should also consume no more than one 6-ounce (oz) serving per week of albacore tuna, grouper, snapper, wild striped bass, and halibut.
Which types of seafood are the safest to eat while pregnant? The list includes wild salmon (fresh, frozen, or canned), pollack, skipjack (light) canned tuna, cod, freshwater trout, sole, tilapia, shrimp, sardines, anchovies, and scallops. Aim for two to three portions (or 8 to 12 ounces) twice a week, but make sure the seafood is thoroughly cooked.
Raw Sprouts
To add a little extra crunch to your sandwich or salad, have you considered adding some alfalfa or bean sprouts? Raw sprouts and E have been connected. coli and salmonella outbreaks, so they definitely belong to the “better-safe-than-sorry” category of foods to avoid during pregnancy.
Nevertheless, you’re not obligated to give up that crunchy texture before giving birth. In your sandwich or salad, experiment with substituting baby spinach or arugula, or try including some thinly sliced green beans. That will definitely up the color and flavor of your sandwich and give you a serving of those nutritious green vegetables.
Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
Even though it’s always a good idea to give produce a quick rinse before eating, cleaning raw fruits and vegetables is now especially crucial. harmful microorganisms like salmonella, listeria, or E. coli can lurk on the outsides of produce — and the microbes can easily spread to the inside flesh when a fruit or vegetable is cut, juiced or peeled.
To clean produce, however, there is no need to use a special spray. Before eating or preparing, give the produce a good rinse under running water. If you notice any lingering dirt, you can use a produce brush to remove it. Lastly, remove any produce pieces that appear bruised or damaged because bacteria are more likely to grow in these places.[7]
Premade Deli Salads
For the time being, stay away from the egg, pasta, chicken, and tuna salads found in the deli case or at the neighborhood sandwich shop as they may harbor Listeria. But if you have a craving, it’s okay to prepare your own versions at home. Just make sure that foods like eggs and chicken are cooked all the way through, and only consume skipjack or another low-mercury tuna variety.
What If You Accidentally Eat One of These Foods While Pregnant?
Unwanted food you unintentionally consumed? In the event that you begin to experience any possible symptoms of food poisoning, contact your physician right away. These include symptoms of the flu like fever, body aches, or headache, as well as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or any combination of these. You typically become ill from eating contaminated food one to three days later.
How are you feeling right now? Calling the doctor is not required, but there is also no downside to doing so. Extra assurance is always a good thing!
