Taylor ham, also known as pork roll, is a processed meat product that originated in New Jersey but has become popular in other parts of the US as well. If you’re from Jersey, you know that Taylor ham egg and cheese sandwiches are a staple food. But can you still enjoy this iconic regional delicacy if you’re expecting? I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about eating Taylor ham during pregnancy.
What Exactly is Taylor Ham?
First things first – what is Taylor ham exactly? Taylor ham refers to a type of smoked and cured pork product that resembles Canadian bacon. It was invented by John Taylor in Trenton NJ in the 1850s and originally called “Taylor’s Prepared Ham.” But since it doesn’t meet the legal definition of ham it’s now sold as “pork roll” to avoid mislabeling.
Taylor ham is made from a mixture of ground pork and spices like salt, sugar, and coriander formed into a log shape. It’s cured for 2-3 days and then smoked or cooked before being sliced and packaged for sale. The flavor is salty and smoky with a unique texture that’s smooth yet slightly crispy when fried up.
This tasty processed meat can be found in grocery stores throughout New Jersey Pennsylvania, Delaware and other parts of the Northeast. It’s most often eaten in breakfast sandwiches but can also be used in recipes like omelets, hashes, and even pizza!
Is It Safe to Eat Taylor Ham While Pregnant?
Now that you know what Taylor ham is, let’s tackle the main question: can you eat it during pregnancy? The main concern with deli meats like Taylor ham in pregnancy is the risk of listeria, a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness. Pregnant women are 13 times more likely to get listeriosis from contaminated foods.
Listeria is killed by thoroughly cooking foods, but deli meats are often eaten cold. The bacteria can also survive in processed meats like Taylor ham after manufacturing. So food safety organizations have cautioned pregnant women about eating cold cuts and deli meats unless heated to steaming hot.
However, the overall risk of listeriosis is very low – only about 1600 cases occur in the US each year. And ready-to-eat meats are just one potential source among many foods that can harbor listeria.
So what do health experts recommend about eating Taylor ham in pregnancy? The FDA and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) say that pregnant women can safely eat deli meats heated to steaming hot – at least 165°F. This kills any potential listeria bacteria.
ACOG also notes that the small risk of listeriosis from deli meats should be balanced against the health benefits of eating an overall healthy diet. Many pregnant women are able to safely consume cold deli meats in moderation without any problems.
Tips for Safely Eating Taylor Ham While Pregnant
If you’re craving a Taylor ham egg and cheese but want to be cautious, there are some safe ways to satisfy your pork roll sandwich fix:
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Heat it up – Cooking Taylor ham to steaming hot, at least 165°F, will kill any listeria present. Order your sandwich with the meat heated through or heat it yourself before eating.
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Limit portions – Stick to 2-3 ounces maximum of Taylor ham at one time if eating cold. This limits any potential exposure to bacteria.
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Pick a trusted source – Buy sliced Taylor ham and other deli meats from reputable grocers and brands you trust to follow food safety practices.
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Use by date – Check expiration or use by dates and don’t eat deli meats that are past date. Freshness reduces risk of bacterial growth.
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Specialty meats – Opt for shelf-stable cured meats like pepperoni and salami which undergo fermentation and drying.
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Avoid leftovers – Don’t eat leftover Taylor ham or sandwiches with deli meats. Only eat freshly made.
Following basic food safety practices like washing hands, avoiding cross-contamination, and refrigerating promptly can further reduce any risks.
What Pregnant Moms Have to Say
Many moms-to-be wonder if they need to skip the Taylor ham completely while pregnant or if an occasional indulgence is okay. Here’s what some expecting pork roll lovers have to say:
“Dying for a Taylor ham sandwich…are we able to eat these items? I know it says no lunch meat but are these considered lunch meats?”
“I think it’s fine because you eat it hot! You’re even allowed to eat deli meat as long as it’s heated.”
“I believe the rule is make sure it’s cooked fully and in moderation ;)”
“Hell yeah! Thank you for acknowledging the Taylor ham debate lolol…I think in moderation it’s just fine!”
The consensus from moms seems to be that enjoying your favorite sandwiches made with Taylor ham or other deli meats occasionally is fine during pregnancy. As long as you heat it up, limit portions, and use safe handling, it can satisfy your cravings without too much worry.
Other Processed Meat Options in Pregnancy
If you decide to avoid cold cuts altogether when expecting, Taylor ham doesn’t have to be completely off the table. Here are some other processed meat options to consider:
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Hot dogs – Heat them up until steaming to kill bacteria.
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Bacon – Frying it kills any pathogens.
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Sausage – Opt for fully cooked varieties and heat before eating.
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Pepperoni – The fermentation and drying process make it shelf-stable.
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Salami – Choose pre-packaged for food safety.
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Ham steak – Fully cooking hams makes them pregnancy-safe.
These process meats can all add tasty protein and flavor to meals in pregnancy without the concerns of cold deli meats.
Healthy Pregnancy Eating Guidelines
While Taylor ham may be an occasional treat, making sure your overall pregnancy diet is balanced and nutritious is most important. Here are some healthy eating guidelines to follow:
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Emphasize whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts and seeds.
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Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, iron and other key nutrients.
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Drink plenty of water and avoid excess sugar and junk foods.
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Get adequate protein from meat, poultry, eggs, beans, dairy and seafood.
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Eat 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish per week for brain-boosting omega-3s.
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Satisfy cravings in moderation while limiting processed foods high in fat, salt and sugar.
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Keep up calcium intake through dairy products and other calcium-rich foods.
Making smart choices that supply optimal nutrients can help support a healthy pregnancy for both mama and baby. But allowing room for occasional indulgences that make you happy is part of balanced eating too.
The Bottom Line on Taylor Ham and Pregnancy
Craving classic Jersey fare like Taylor ham egg and cheese sandwiches during pregnancy is understandable. While health authorities advise avoiding cold deli meats to lower risk of food poisoning, the actual chance of getting sick is very small. Heating up your Taylor ham sandwich, limiting portions, and practicing food safety can allow you to satisfy those pork roll pregnancy cravings safely.
But for some women, peace of mind may mean skipping cold cuts altogether. If so, there are plenty of tasty processed meat alternatives you can enjoy instead. No matter what, emphasizing an overall nutritious prenatal diet with adequate protein will help support a healthy pregnancy and baby.
So fellow New Jersey moms-to-be, you can indulge in your Taylor ham favorites while pregnant by being mindful. Satisfy those pork roll cravings occasionally and safely. Just use common sense precautions and enjoy as part of your balanced prenatal eating routine. With a few adjustments, you don’t have to give up this iconic Jersey snack!
Can Pregnant Women Eat Ham? IS Ham Safe During Pregnancy?
FAQ
Is Taylor Ham pre cooked?
Is Taylor Ham processed meat?
What kind of ham can I eat when pregnant?
Can a pregnant woman eat a ham sandwich?
Can I eat ham during pregnancy?
Eating ham during pregnancy can be tricky. Cooked ham can be enjoyed in moderation while deli meat is a no. Read to learn more.
Are pregnant women allowed to eat shrimps?
Properly cooked shrimp is considered a safe choice for women because it is low in mercury, a which can be detrimental to baby’s health. Consuming moderate amounts of seafood provides a source of the omega-3 fatty acids that a baby needs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces, and up to 12 ounces, of a variety of low mercury seafood per week. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid raw seafood. For a healthy guide to choosing the right fish, the Environmental Defense Fund provides both a handy guide on toxin load in various fish species and recommended serving limits per month for men, women, and children.
Can pregnant women eat honey baked ham?
Honey-baked ham is commonly served during the holidays, but is it safe for pregnant women to eat? In most cases, baked ham, including honey-baked ham, is safe for pregnant women to eat, as long as they are baked first and served within 2 hours. Food safety guidelines recommend heating the ham until it’s steaming hot before eating it again.
Are cold ham slices safe during pregnancy?
Cold ham slices that you get pre-packaged or from the deli counter are more likely to host bad bacteria. They also contain nitrites/nitrates, preservatives that are likely not the best to have too much of during pregnancy, if at all.