Is Philadelphia Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy comes with many food cravings and aversions. One craving many expecting mothers experience is for smoked salmon. The savory salty fish pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses like Philadelphia cream cheese. But is enjoying smoked salmon cream cheese actually safe during pregnancy? Let’s take a thorough look at the risks, recommendations, and alternatives.

An Overview of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Philadelphia cream cheese is a popular soft, spreadable cheese made by the Kraft Heinz company. It contains pasteurized milk and cream, cheese culture, and salt.

The cream cheese comes in several flavor varieties like original, garlic and herb, garden vegetable, and smoked salmon. Philadelphia states that all their cream cheese products are made with pasteurized milk and are safe to consume during pregnancy.

Pasteurization involves heating milk to high temperatures to kill pathogenic bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella. This makes the risk of food poisoning very low.

Smoked Salmon and Pregnancy: What Are the Risks?

Smoked salmon is salmon that has been cured and cold smoked This means it is smoked at low temperatures under 90°F, so the delicate fish isn’t cooked through As a result, smoked salmon has a bright coral color, velvety texture, and robust flavor.

According to the FDA and other health organizations pregnant women should avoid cold smoked seafood due to the risk of Listeria infection. Listeria is a harmful bacterium found in uncooked meats, dairy produce, and seafood.

When contracted during pregnancy, Listeria can lead to:

• Miscarriage
• Premature delivery
• Stillbirth
• Newborn infections

In severe cases, Listeria causes septicemia, meningitis, and even death in pregnant women. The CDC states that pregnant women are 10 times more likely to get Listeria than the general population.

In addition to Listeria, raw or undercooked fish may contain other dangerous parasites and viruses. These include tapeworms, Anisakiasis, and Salmonella.

So while smoked salmon contains beneficial omega-3s and protein, it is best avoided during pregnancy unless guaranteed to be fully cooked to safe temperatures.

Is Smoked Salmon Philadelphia Cream Cheese Safe?

Given the risks of consuming cold smoked salmon in pregnancy, many expecting mothers wonder if it’s safe to eat Philadelphia’s smoked salmon cream cheese flavor.

The answer is yes – Philadelphia’s smoked salmon cream cheese is perfectly safe to eat during pregnancy.

Here’s why:

• Made with pasteurized ingredients – Philadelphia cream cheese is made with heat-treated milk and cream. This kills any pathogens.

• Doesn’t contain raw smoked salmon – Philadelphia’s smoked salmon cream cheese is artificially flavored. It doesn’t actually contain real smoked salmon, just natural flavorings that mimic the taste.

• Other safe flavors – In addition to smoked salmon, flavors like garlic & herb, garden vegetable, and original are also pasteurized and pathogen-free.

So while real cold smoked salmon is off-limits for expecting mothers, Philadelphia’s smoked salmon flavored cream cheese offers the taste without the risks.

Healthy Smoked Salmon Alternatives During Pregnancy

To satisfy smoked salmon cravings in a safer way, here are some recommended alternatives to enjoy while pregnant:

• Canned smoked salmon – Look for shelf-stable canned smoked salmon products that have been cooked to safe temperatures. Brands like Wild Planet and Vital Choice offer these.

• Hot smoked salmon – Hot smoked salmon is fully cooked during the smoking process to over 145°F internally. It has a flaky, drier texture compared to cold smoked.

• Smoked salmon spreads – Commercial smoked salmon spreads from brands like Ocean’s Flavour contain wild caught Alaskan salmon that has been cooked and smoked to a food safe level.

• Nova lox style – Nova lox is brine-cured but not smoked. Trader Joe’s and deli brands offer ready-to-eat nova salmon that is safe for pregnancy.

• Smoked salmon dip – Make a pregnancy-safe dip by blending hot smoked salmon with pasteurized cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and spices.

• Smoked salmon seasoning – Sprinkle smoked seafood seasoning on cooked fish or cream cheese for a similar flavor. McCormick and Spice Hunter make these spice blends.

With so many safe options, pregnant moms can still enjoy the wonderful taste of smoked salmon without compromising their health or baby’s. Be sure to check labels and cook seafood thoroughly.

Healthy Fatty Fish Choices in Pregnancy

In addition to smoked salmon alternatives, pregnant women should aim to eat 8-12 ounces of low mercury fatty fish per week. Here are some of the top safe and healthy fish choices while pregnant:

• Salmon
• Anchovies
• Atlantic mackerel
• Oysters
• Rainbow trout
• Pacific sardines
• Arctic char
• Albacore tuna
• Herring
• Mussels

These fish provide protein, vitamin D, omega-3s, iodine, selenium, and other nutrients that support fetal brain development. Opt for low mercury wild caught and sustainable seafood options when possible.

Safety Tips for Eating Seafood While Pregnant

Here are some key tips to safely enjoy seafood during pregnancy:

• Cook seafood to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill bacteria and parasites
• Avoid raw or undercooked seafood like sushi, lox, kippered fish, and cold smoked salmon
• Order hot smoked salmon in restaurants, not Nova smoked salmon
• Check canned and pouched seafood labels to confirm it is shelf-stable and cooked
• Limit albacore tuna to 6 ounces weekly to reduce mercury exposure
• Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw seafood

Consult your doctor about specific fish consumption recommendations while pregnant or nursing. Being informed about safe preparation and the risks of undercooked seafood will help nourish you and your growing baby.

The Verdict on Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese in Pregnancy

While real cold smoked salmon is off the menu for expecting mothers, commercially prepared products like Philadelphia’s smoked salmon flavored cream cheese offer plenty of flavor without the safety concerns. Pair the cream cheese with bagels, crackers, veggies, or baked potatoes for a satisfying snack or spread.

For an extra layer of precaution, heat smoked seafood to steaming 165°F prior to eating. With so many pasteurized alternatives, moms-to-be don’t have to miss out on smoked salmon deliciousness during pregnancy. Just be sure to check labels and cook seafood thoroughly.