is it safe to eat vienna sausage while pregnant

Can You Eat Vienna Sausage When Pregnant? A Detailed Guide

Pregnancy is an exciting but delicate time. As an expectant mother you want to make sure you are fueling your body properly to support the growth and development of your baby. At the same time, you want to be careful about exposing your developing baby to any harmful bacteria or other risks. This leads many moms-to-be to closely examine their diets and eliminate any questionable foods. One food that often tops the list of “off-limits” items during pregnancy is Vienna sausage. But is avoiding Vienna sausage entirely necessary during pregnancy? Read on for a detailed guide examining if and how pregnant women can safely consume Vienna sausage.

What is Vienna Sausage?

Before determining if Vienna sausage is safe during pregnancy, it is helpful to understand what exactly Vienna sausage is. Vienna sausage originated in Austria and is similar to a frankfurter sausage from Germany. It typically contains a mixture of beef, pork, or chicken along with seasonings and spices. The seasoned meat mixture is then stuffed into a casing to form the sausage shape.

Traditional recipes for Vienna sausage involve curing the meat to extend its shelf life. Most modern commercially produced Vienna sausages are pre-cooked and canned. The canning process softens the sausage’s texture and infuses it with moisture. Popular brands of canned Vienna sausage include Armour Star, Hormel, and Underwood.

Vienna sausage is a convenient, affordable, and shelf-stable product. Its portability makes it a popular choice for lunches, picnics, camping trips, and other on-the-go situations. However, the advantages of canned Vienna sausage also come with some drawbacks regarding its nutritional value and safety profile.

Nutritional Profile of Vienna Sausage

When examining if a food is safe to eat during pregnancy, its nutritional merits are an important consideration. Vienna sausage does contain some positive nutritional qualities. A 2-ounce serving provides:

• Protein – 8 grams
• Iron – 6% daily value
• Potassium – 5% daily value
• Calcium – 2% daily value

However, Vienna sausage is high in sodium, with a 2-ounce serving providing:

• Sodium – 330 milligrams, 14% daily value

It is also high in nitrates and nitrites, compounds frequently used to cure meats and give them an appealing pink color. While small amounts are likely safe, nitrates and nitrites can form carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines in the body when consumed in excess. The high sodium and nitrate/nitrite content of Vienna sausage makes it less nutritionally ideal for pregnant women.

Food Safety Concerns with Vienna Sausage

In addition to nutritional considerations, food safety is extremely important during pregnancy to avoid exposing your developing baby to harmful pathogens. Properly handled fresh sausage cooked to safe internal temperatures is unlikely to pose food safety risks. However, as a ready-to-eat canned product, Vienna sausage does carry some potential food safety hazards including:

Listeria – Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can contaminate processed meats and dairy products. Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria. Listeriosis can lead to pregnancy complications like preterm labor, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Salmonella – Raw meats and poultry are commonly contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. While proper cooking typically kills salmonella, eating Vienna sausage without thoroughly heating it poses a potential salmonella risk.

Staphylococcus aureus – Staph bacteria can survive the salt-curing and smoking process for cured sausages. Toxin-producing strains of staph can cause food poisoning.

Careful handling and preparation of canned Vienna sausage is necessary to minimize the risks of contracting one of these foodborne illnesses.

Is it Safe to Eat Vienna Sausage While Pregnant?

The answer is yes, pregnant women can safely consume Vienna sausage but special care should be taken. Here are some tips for safely eating Vienna sausage during pregnancy:

• Carefully inspect cans for damage, rust, bulging or denting before opening. Discard any cans that show signs of damage.

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling Vienna sausages.

• Use a clean can opener and clean utensils when preparing Vienna sausage.

• Cook Vienna sausages thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F internal temperature.

• Consume Vienna sausages promptly after cooking and do not allow them to sit at room temperature for prolonged periods.

• Eat Vienna sausages in moderation – no more than 2 servings per week.

• Choose lower sodium options when possible. Look for reduced sodium, no salt added, or low sodium labels.

• Opt for nitrate/nitrite-free versions if available. Check labels for uncured or no nitrates/nitrites claims.

By following these precautions, pregnant women can safely incorporate Vienna sausage into their diets while limiting any potential risks. However, those with compromised immune systems or certain medical conditions may want to avoid Vienna sausage altogether