Can I eat cold-smoked salmon while pregnant?

The Risks of Cold-Smoked Salmon During Pregnancy
When it comes to dietary choices during pregnancy, safety is paramount. One food item that often raises questions is cold-smoked salmon. While this delicacy is enjoyed by many, pregnant women are advised to exercise caution.
Cold-smoked salmon is considered undercooked, which poses significant health risks. The primary concern is the potential for Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can lead to listeriosis. This infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can result in severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns.
Health Guidelines and Recommendations
Health authorities, including the NHS, recommend that pregnant women avoid ready-to-eat cold-smoked or cured fish due to the risk of contamination. Instead, they suggest opting for hot-smoked salmon, which is fully cooked and poses a much lower risk. Hot-smoked salmon is safe to consume during pregnancy, provided it has been prepared properly.
While some sources acknowledge the nutritional benefits of salmon, such as its rich omega-3 fatty acid content, the risks associated with cold smoking outweigh these benefits during pregnancy. Registered dietitians emphasize that while salmon can be a healthy addition to a pregnant woman’s diet, it should be cooked thoroughly to eliminate any potential pathogens.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are pregnant and craving smoked salmon, it is best to steer clear of cold-smoked varieties. Instead, consider enjoying hot-smoked salmon or other fully cooked fish options. Always prioritize safety and consult with your healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice during this crucial time.

How common is listeria in cold-smoked salmon?

Recent U.S. data show that L. mono- cytogenes are present in 17.5% of cold-smoked fish and 8.1% of hot-smoked fish (20). In Canada, a contamination rate of 25% was found in smoked salmon (14). Twenty-one percent of smoked fish sampled in Newfoundland tested positive for Listeria spp., of which 22% of isolates were L.

How safe is cold smoked salmon?

It can be nutritious—just watch out for the sodium content, the type of salmon it is and the expiration date. If you’re pregnant, avoid cold-smoked salmon and heat hot-smoked salmon up. Children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems should also avoid cold-smoked salmon.

Can you eat cold-smoked salmon out of the package?

Yes, since smoked salmon is previously cooked by smoking, rendering it safe to eat.

Is cold smoked salmon safe to-eat?

Cold-smoked fish such as smoked salmon or trout, and cured fish such as gravlax, have not been fully cooked during the production process to kill any listeria that may be present, and therefore present a higher risk of infection.

Can you eat cold smoked salmon in pregnancy?

You should avoid ready-to-eat cold-smoked or cured fish because it could be contaminated with listeria bacteria. These bacteria can cause an infection called listeriosis, which can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or make your newborn baby seriously ill.

Is smoked salmon safe to eat cold?

Both types of smoked salmon can be eaten cold right out of the package. Hot-smoked salmon can also be reheated and is great in hot dishes. Unlike fresh salmon, which should be prepared and eaten within 48 hours, smoked salmon has a longer shelf life. It can be enjoyed for up to a week.

Is cold smoked salmon safe to eat?

Cold-smoked fish such as smoked salmon or trout, and cured fish such as gravlax, have not been fully cooked during the production process to kill any listeria that may be present, and therefore present a higher risk of infection.

What if I accidentally ate pate while pregnant?

If you develop listeriosis during the last few weeks of pregnancy, your baby may be very ill. However, if you have eaten pate, the likelihood of getting listeriosis is rare. So the risk to you and your baby is very low.

Can I eat cold cooked salmon when pregnant?

Cook your salmon until it is 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. 3 “Smoked and raw salmon is not fully cooked and should not be eaten during pregnancy as it can lead to listeria infection,” says Daniel Roshan, MD, FACOG, FACS, a New York City-based board-certified high-risk maternal-fetal OB-GYN.

Is cold smoked salmon already cooked?

Cold smoked salmon is salt cured and then smoked at 70-85℉, so it isn’t fully cooked. This results in a bright color, delicate texture, and bold flavor. Hot smoked salmon is similarly cured and smoked, but hot smoked salmon is smoked at a temperature of 180-200℉ until its internal temperature reaches 145℉.