As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, the anticipation of eating lots of delicious food grows. When families gather to enjoy the traditional dishes and drinks, pregnant women should keep in mind which foods on the dinner table they are recommended to avoid.
Here are the main foods and drinks to avoid this Thanksgiving day:
1. Unpasteurized cider and juice – If apple cider or other fresh squeezed juices are offered, check to see if they are pasteurized. Avoid unpasteurized juices, as they may contain bacteria, such as E. coli.
2. Uncooked turkey – Your turkey needs to be cooked until it reaches at least 160ºF in the thickest part of the turkey’s thigh. To be on the safe side and to avoid any possibility of salmonella contamination, cook until your turkey reaches 180ºF before consuming.
3. Leftover turkey – Turkey sandwiches are a popular leftover tradition, but the leftover cold turkey meat still poses a risk of listeria just like regular deli meats. If you would like a turkey sandwich, heat up the slices of turkey in a pan until they reach 160ºF before using in a sandwich.
4. Stuffing – If stuffing is cooked in the cavity of the turkey, it is not considered hot enough to kill all of the potential bacteria. However, this does not mean you have to skip this traditional dish. Stuffing cooked in the oven or on the stovetop separate from the turkey is perfectly safe. Be sure it reaches a temperature of 165ºF before consuming.
5. Unpasteurized soft cheeses - Cheese plates are becoming more common as a party appetizer. Make sure you stay away from soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk. They could contain listeria, which is killed during the pasteurization process.
6. Homemade sauces and creams - Traditional sauces such as Hollandaise sauce, creams or even ice cream are made with unpasteurized eggs. This can increase your chance of salmonella, so be sure to avoid them unless specifically made with pasteurized egg products, such as Egg Beaters.
7. Eggnog – Generally eggnog is off-limits because it is usually made with raw, unpasteurized eggs, and possibly alcohol. But if you still would like to enjoy this drink over the holiday, there are store-bought versions that are made with pasteurized eggs. Be sure to check the label.
As you follow this list of foods and drinks to avoid, also remember to keep the surface areas of your kitchen clean. If any surface has come in contact with raw meat or raw eggs, be sure to clean it thoroughly with soap and water. Also be sure to wash all vegetables thoroughly before serving raw or cooked to remove any outside bacteria.