Food Safety in Pregnancy - Listeria

Nobody ever agrees with me, but I'm from the 'eat what you want within reason' side of things.

I ate ham when I was pregnant and no I didn't cook it until it was piping hot because what would be the point? Hot ham is disgusting!

I worked in a deli for years before I got pregnant and I know there are strict food safety protocols that are adhered to in supermarket delicatessens. Outbreaks of listeria are rare and usually make it to the 6 O'Clock news.

I only ever eat fresh ham or fresh deli meat and I would never encourage others to do the same as I do, as everybody is different, and you're right it is only 9 months and you can easily go without alsorts of things, but to be honest, you might as well lock yourself inside your house to avoid being hit by a bus, being struck by lightning or trampled by stampedes of wild animals.

I personally am more relaxed when it comes to food during pregnancy, but it's each to their own and if you feel uncomfortable about eating something then by all means, don't eat it.

I still use the slow cooker too ... but I just put boiling water in it and start out / finish up on high so everythign is brought up to temp fast and zapped a bit at the end.

I end up just having salad sammies I prepare myself (no cold meats) or eat something else, so can't help really. Its a pain. But I'd rather be safe than sorry. I know I'd be devastated if I lost a baby cos I put some ham on a sammie! Each to their own though.

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I have realised that its almost impossible to eat healthy while your out and about...........!!! what healthy food is available if your like me and go out on the road and have to buy lunch on the run (i certainly wouldnt want to pack something and have it sit around in the car all day)
so besides unheathly burgers from maccas etc whats left???

I think some people take this stuff way too extremes.............. when you think about it, at some point someone has been responsible for that food and its hygeine long before it goes into your oven or freezer etc and you just have cross your fingers that all strict guidelines have been adhered to otherwise we are ALL at risk no matter what you eat (besides fruit and vegies)

So we cant just stop eating altogether on the off chance that that food might possibly be not handled correctly until we purchased it etc..........either that or get digging ladies and buy cows etc and grow it yourself!!!!

Im pretty much sticking to eating cruskits, rice crackers, fruit, cup of soups and cheeseballs.............and i can almost guarantee if my MS kicks in, i wont be able to go anywhere near that stuff, so i will be screwed

im the same ...I have eaten ham on occasion , and tonight I even had a slice of salami, and it was good, I just don't eat it often .

The food safety authority says that eating hummus is fine as long as its eaten within two days of opening

I wondered that about hummus too. I have eaten it straight out of the packet, and i don't get why homemade hummus isn't OK.

Its interesting how you get different advice in different countries- my best friend is pregnant with her 2nd in the UK and we have compared notes- the only things they get told not to eat are unpasteurised cheeses, pates, uncooked eggs, and to be careful about seafood.
They aren't told not to eat ham, leftovers, prepacked sandwiches, hummus etc etc etc.

I was really good for the first trimester, but in the last few weeks I have been much more relaxed- have had a family bereavement and the only food in the house was quiches, pies, casseroles, sammies etc etc etc made by other people left for us to reheat. I didn't feel like cooking myself a special meal every time!

lunches are difficult- I have been eating cup-a soups too, and cheese and crackers. And I MISS sushi!!!!

neeandsam I agree with you. Plus Listeria is also found in soil, water, plants, sewage and animal droppings so would have to avoid all these things to be completely safe! Not sure I could go 9 months without water :)

I'm going to make my own sushi in about a month when my craving for it outweighs my 'can't be arsed-ness' lol