Ok, I just read that I shouldn't be eating deli meats while pregnant...why not?

Question

Turkey, ham, roast beef from the deli in a sandwhich with mayo...why can't I eat that?

Answer 1

deli meat can carry listeria. that bacteria can give you SERIOUS food poisoning and actually cause you to lose your baby. this information is new to me too. BUT you can eat it if you have the meat heated till it smokes...to make sure any bateria is killed. i hear at subway you CAN ask them to nuke the meat before they make your sandwich...if you are like me and don't like the "toasted" as much. good luck to you!

Answer 2

The issue is with the possibility of getting Listeria.

From medicinenet.com
"Listeria is a bacteria found in food that can cause miscarriage and other problems to a fetus. Because of the danger of getting a listeria infection, pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, coldcuts, and undercooked or raw animal foods. In addition, fruits and vegetables should be washed completely prior to consumption."

Listeria can be killed with heat - so a grilled ham and cheese is OK (and so on). Please just make sure it is HOT and not just warm.

CSPI Newsroom January 13, 2000
http://www.cspinet.org/new/birth_defects.html
" Listeria causes approximately 2,500 illnesses and 500 deaths per year. Based on CDC data, CSPI estimates that about one-third of deaths involve pregnant women and their fetuses. Listeria contaminates foods processed or packaged in unsanitary conditions."

500 deaths out of 4,058,814 live births. You have to determine how great the risk is to you.

Take care.

Answer 3

Because of the bacteria that may be on them, especially from handling.

You can eat them as long as they are cooked again. For example, a sub sandwich from a deli is a 'no', but a toasted Quizno's sub would probable okay as long as the meat is heated through.

Answer 4

The Food and Drug Administration warns you not to eat hot dogs, lunchmeats, or deli meats unless they're thoroughly cooked or reheated. You need to avoid these because they may contain bacteria called listeria that can make you sick.

Answer 5

You can eat them, but they suggest that you heat them up before eating them because sometimes they can contain a bacteria called listeria. Heating the meat will kill the bacteria.

Answer 6

The threat is a bacteria called listeria. Here's the food and drug administration website on listeria: http://www.fda.gov/womens/getthefacts/listeria.html
If you heat it until it steams then you're fine.

Answer 7

i dont know why they say this i have ate subway deli sandwiches alot thru my pregnancy i am 36 weeks pregnant and i am fine

Answer 8

I asked my doctor that and he told me I CAN eat them as long as they are heated (to kill bacteria) like toss them on the stove top (makes them taste better any way!!! Also they have lots of perservatives and salt...

Answer 9

thats a new one to me, i eat a ham sandwich almost everyday for lunch