Can i eat serrano ham when pregnant

However, recent studies have questioned this recommendation. In , researchers from the University of Zaragoza performed the first study, published in the Journal of Food Protection, that assessed the influence of the ham curing process on the evolution of the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis. On the other hand, in researchers from the universities of Granada and Valencia published a study in the Food Microbiology scientific journal.

The study used a new method to detect these protozoa in samples of commercialised Serrano ham. After the study, tests were run on samples from pigs experimentally infected with the parasites, and then cured afterwards using different methods and its persistence in the final product was evaluated. The conclusions reached by Alberto Osuna — from the Biochemical and Molecular Parasitology Research Group at the University of Granada — were that the most effective way of terminating the parasite is doubtlessly by freezing the meat, either before or after curing the ham.

This is perhaps the least relevant aspect of the study as it was a usual recommendation from doctors during pregnancy. However, the study demonstrated that the curing process and procedure set by the EU approved standard means that this parasite is no longer infectious.

This means that a traditional process that is endorsed by the Serrano Ham TSG performed in correct hygiene-health conditions will eliminate the risk of transmitting Toxoplasma gondii. As you see, there are different studies that open up the debate on whether it is advisable or not to eat ham when pregnant, providing scientific evidence to modify, or not, food recommendations for pregnant women. From this blog, we can only encourage you to follow the advice of health professionals, who are bound to be up to date on the latest research and will doubtlessly take good care of your health and your future children.

Most foods and drinks are safe to have during pregnancy. But there are some things you should be careful with or avoid. Unpasteurised dairy products may contain listeria. This bacteria can causes an infection called listeriosis. There's a small chance listeriosis can lead to miscarriage , stillbirth , or make your newborn baby very unwell.

Soft cheeses with a white coating on the outside have more moisture. This can make it easier for bacteria to grow. There's a small risk of getting toxoplasmosis if you eat raw and undercooked meat, which can cause miscarriage.

Cured meats are not cooked, so they may have parasites in them that cause toxoplasmosis. Liver and liver products have lots of vitamin A in them. This can be harmful to an unborn baby. Try to eat British Lion eggs eggs with a lion stamp on them because they are less likely to have salmonella in them.

Salmonella is unlikely to harm your unborn baby, but you could get food poisoning. If you eat eggs that are not British Lion, or not from hens, make sure the whites and yolks are cooked thoroughly.

You can have 2 tuna steaks, or 4 medium-size cans of fish, as well as 2 portions of oily fish. They may be called:. Honey baked or glazed ham is fine also served hot , as the honey is cooked during the baking process.

Uncooked honey is also fine for pregnant women on a baked ham, as long as the honey is pasteurized, so you should check this first. Any ham that is in a can e. Princes, Swift, Celebrity, DAK, and other brands and that is shelf-stable not in a fridge is safe to eat as the contents are pasteurized during the canning process.

If the can is in a fridge when you buy it, this means it may be pasteurized, but not sterilized, and may not be as safe. Pregnant women should not consume ham terrines e. This is because these dishes are formed from chopped and mixed pieces of ham, making them more susceptible to listeria contamination.

Gina is the owner and founder of Pregnancy Food Checker. Quinoa is safe during pregnancy and is full of nutritional benefits Fresh and juicy, a bite of mango is all but enough to transport you straight to the tropics- a welcome feeling for many expecting mothers!

Though mango has not been the center of any recent fruit