Can I Eat Veal During Pregnancy? A Complete Guide for Expecting Mothers

Eating veal while pregnant is a common query among expecting mothers. Veal comes from young calves and is a lean, tender meat that provides protein, iron, and other nutrients beneficial during pregnancy. However, there are some important factors to consider before enjoying veal while pregnant.

What is Veal?

Veal comes from calves that are typically under 20 weeks old. After weaning, male dairy calves are commonly used for veal production.

There are different types of veal based on the calf’s diet:

Formula-fed veal – Calves are fed milk replacer formula
Grain-fed veal – Calves are fed grain-based feeds in addition to milk
Grass-fed veal – Calves are allowed access to grass and milk

Veal is prized for its pale pink color and tender texture. Popular veal dishes include osso bucco, breaded cutlets, and veal Parmesan.

Is it Safe to Eat Veal While Pregnant?

The USDA considers veal safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it is properly handled and thoroughly cooked Here are some tips for safely enjoying veal when pregnant

Choose quality cuts – Purchase veal from reputable sources Look for cuts that are pale pink with white fat, Avoid cuts with brown or gray coloration
Cook thoroughly – Veal should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill any potential bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Practice food safety – Follow proper storage, thawing, and food prep guidelines to prevent foodborne illness. Wash hands and cooking tools after handling raw veal
Avoid cross-contamination – Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw veal and ready-to-eat foods. Store raw veal below prepared foods in the fridge.
Limit cured/processed meats – Hot dogs, deli meats, and smoked veal contain added sodium and preservatives to limit when pregnant.

Nutrition Profile of Veal

Veal contains beneficial nutrients for pregnancy:

Protein – Helpful for baby’s cell growth and development. A 3-ounce serving of veal provides about 25g protein.
Iron – Prevents anemia and aids in oxygen transport. Veal contains about 1mg iron per 3-ounce serving.
Zinc and B vitamins – Supports maternal and fetal health. Veal provides zinc, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12.

However, veal is relatively high in saturated fat compared to leaner meats. A 3-ounce serving contains about 4g saturated fat. Eating veal as part of a balanced diet is recommended.

Health Benefits of Veal During Pregnancy

When consumed in moderation, veal offers health perks for pregnant women:

Maintains muscle mass with high-quality protein
Provides heme iron that is readily absorbed
Supports healthy fetal brain development with B12
Zinc aids immune function and cell growth
B vitamins prevent congenital disabilities and aid metabolism

Eating veal 2-3 times per week as part of a varied diet can help support maternal health.

Potential Risks of Eating Veal While Pregnant

There are a few potential downsides of eating veal to be aware of:

Bacteria risk – E. coli, salmonella, and listeria are concerns if consumed undercooked. Proper handling and cooking mitigate this risk.
Saturated fat – Veal contains more saturated fat than chicken, fish, and plant proteins. Eating too much may increase cholesterol levels.
Environmental toxins – Veal absorbs toxins and pollutants from animal feed. Buying organic, pasture-raised veal reduces this exposure.
Added hormones – Some mass-produced veal contains added hormones for rapid growth. Choosing organic helps avoid this.
Ethical concerns – Veal production methods, like close confinement, prompt ethical questions for some pregnant women.

By selecting veal consciously and eating moderate portions, pregnant women can balance the benefits and potential risks.

Veal Precautions for Pregnant Women

It’s best to take some simple precautions when eating veal while pregnant:

Avoid non-organic, confined veal calf production methods
Cook veal thoroughly to 160°F and use a meat thermometer
Limit portion sizes to 6 ounces or less per serving
Refrigerate promptly and reheat fully when reheating leftovers
Handle raw veal carefully to prevent cross-contamination
Choose cuts of veal with the least fat when possible

Following these tips when selecting, preparing, and eating veal can help minimize risks.

Healthy Veal Recipes for Pregnancy

Here are some nutritious veal recipes to enjoy during pregnancy:

Veal scaloppini with lemon caper sauce
Baked breaded veal cutlets with fresh tomato sauce
Veal meatballs with whole wheat pasta
Veal parmesan with part-skim mozzarella
Veal stir fry with broccoli and brown rice
Grilled rosemary veal chops with baked sweet potato
Veal and vegetable soup with whole grain noodles

Experiment with flavors from lemon, herbs, garlic, mustard, and vinegars to enjoy veal in a variety of healthy ways.

The Bottom Line on Eating Veal While Pregnant

Veal offers protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins that can support maternal health when consumed in moderation. Take care to choose quality cuts, cook thoroughly, and practice safe food handling. Limit cured and processed veal. Overall, incorporating veal 2-3 times a week as part of a varied pregnancy diet can be safe and provide nutritional benefits. As always, discuss your veal intake with your healthcare provider at prenatal visits.

Are deli meats safe during pregnancy? Dietitian explains

FAQ

Is veal safe to eat while pregnant?

Cook beef, pork, veal, and lamb roasts, steaks, and chops to at least 145° F (63° C), with a 3 minute rest time. Cook ground beef, veal, lamb, and pork to at least 160° F (71° C). Cook ground poultry to 165° F (74° C). Cook all poultry to minimal safe internal temperature of 165° F (74° C).

What meats are not good for pregnancy?

Don’t eat these foods during pregnancy. They can be really harmful to you and your baby. Raw or undercooked meat, including beef, poultry and pork. This includes hotdogs and deli meat (like ham or bologna).

What is forbidden to eat while pregnant?

Don’t eat unpasteurized foods Products that have unpasteurized milk could cause foodborne illness. Avoid soft cheeses, such as brie, feta and blue cheese, unless the label says they’re pasteurized or made with pasteurized milk. Don’t drink juice or cider that isn’t pasteurized.

Can you eat veal when pregnant?

Many people are curious if they can eat veal when pregnant. The answer is yes, you can eat veal while pregnant.

Can you eat meat while pregnant?

Follow safe food handling guidelines and don’t eat raw or undercooked meat while pregnant. Also, avoid eating deli or lunch meats, bacon, and hot dogs during pregnancy unless you heat these meats until they’re steaming hot or 165 degrees F. Can I eat meat while I’m pregnant?

Can I eat ribeye If I’m Pregnant?

Some whole cuts of meat — such as tenderloins, sirloins, or ribeye from beef, lamb and veal — may be safe to consume when not cooked all the way through. However, this only applies when the piece of meat is whole or uncut, and completely cooked on the outside. During pregnancy, it’s best to avoid any undercooked meat.

Is veal healthy?

Veal is a nutrient-rich meat that is high in protein, iron, and B vitamins. It also has a lower fat content than other types of meat, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet. Veal is also easy to prepare and can be cooked in many different ways. Each type of veal has its own unique flavor and texture.