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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

I'm not neurotic but can I eat smoked salmon?!

20 replies

bigredtractor · 21/07/2010 10:12

Hello, I'm 28 weeks pregnant and about to enter the minefield of 3 weddings in a month!

Everyone's been really helpful about their menus and offering alternatives to the inevitable goats cheese / pate / rare meat / unpasteurised mousse etc. but is it OK to eat smoked salmon?

Is smoked salmon raw?

A whole other question, but am I stupid...?!!!!

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Valbonne09 · 21/07/2010 10:22

I had a huge craving for smoked salmon during weeks 16-17 and ate it for nearly every meal. The jury seemed to be out but most websites such as the uk food standards agency seem to suggest that it is fine during pregnancy:

Can I eat cold meats and smoked salmon when I'm pregnant?
"Some countries advise pregnant women not to eat cold meats or smoked fish because of the risk of listeria. In the UK, we don't advise women to avoid these products because the risk is very low. The risk of listeria is much higher with cheeses such as Camembert, Brie or chevre (a type of goats' cheese), and others that have a similar rind, or pâté, which you shouldn't eat during pregnancy. However, if you are concerned, you might also choose to avoid cold meats and smoked fish while you are pregnant. "

Hope this helps and enjoy the weddings!

seasister · 21/07/2010 10:38

I have been eating it quite a lot too - I know that like most of the food advice during pregnancy it's contentious (yawn) but I took the advice of the UK Food Standards over anyone else's. I've avoided pate's and cold meats

My only suggestion is if you think it doesn't look/smell fresh enough, then leave it. But then, that's probably advice for almost all foods - and most good wedding caterers have got very high standards.

Enjoy - mmmm

Original poster
bigredtractor · 21/07/2010 10:55

Perfecto - thank you ladies!

OP posts:
Yellowflowers · 21/07/2010 11:03

I've been eating it as most advice says okay but trying to have no more than 2 or 3 times a week (except smoked salmon is the only pret sandwich I like and pret is only sandwich shop near work) as per fish in pregnancy instructions on fsa website. I haven't had other cured meats such as parma ham though.

mum2oneloudbaby · 21/07/2010 15:38

i'm with seasister make sure it seems fresh etc. to you, be cautious.

A couple of years ago i went to a christening and i didn't realise that the buffet food had been prepared by an aunt of the family of the child who was being christened not a professional, we all got food poisoning.

It was very unpleasant for me a couple of days in bed very sick. But all I could think about was that there was a heavily pregnant lady virtually inhaling the buffet table and to this day I still pray she and the baby were okay.

I now make sure I know where any party food has been prepared and by whom.

KnitterNotTwitter · 21/07/2010 15:46

I ate smoked salmon like a mad woman while pregnant - no side effects although DS was 10lb 6oz...

Elsa123 · 21/07/2010 16:11

Smoked salmon and sushi in the UK according to the FSA is fine as the problem with raw fish is parasites and worms. The smoking process kills them and with sushi, all UK sushi restaurants have to fast freeze their fish for 20 or so minutes prior to handling which also kills parasites etc.

The problem with cured meats isn't the same, its that they carry a risk of toxoplasmosis or whatever its called. So, for fish the danger is worms and parasites and is ameliorated by cooking, smoking or fast freezing, for cured meats its toxoplasmosis and is ameliorated by cooking it and for pate and unpasturised diary products its listeria and for raw eggs its salmonella. Not much then.........

Concordia · 21/07/2010 16:14

i wish i hadn't read this thread.
nearly five years ago i asked the midwife i could have smoked salmon on xmas day and she said no so had to have something boring instead.
brrrrh.
i love smoked salmon

redbird79 · 21/07/2010 16:21

Anyone else fancy smoked salmon for tea now? Unfortunately the packet of prawn cocktail crisps I just inhaled doesn't really cut it. Smoked salmon, brown bread with real butter, bit of horseradish sauce, squeeze of lemon. Maybe some rocket on the side for iron. Is it nearly teatime?

KnitterNotTwitter · 21/07/2010 16:40

I used to just eat it straight out of the packet - with my fingers - and then regret the fingers bit because the smell hung around for hours.

Original poster
bigredtractor · 21/07/2010 16:45

God - I'm sooooo going to be making up for 6 months of smoked salmon abstinence!!!

OP posts:
PauloNuttella · 21/07/2010 17:00

I was always told that smoked salmon carried a risk of listeria, but having worked in the food industry, and seen all the tests that have to be carried out before the stuff can be sent out, I wouldn't have a problem eating it at all (except I don't like it, so I won't be eating any)

Deliaskis · 21/07/2010 17:10

Oooh I've been avoiding smoked salmon but I adore it and am now going to 'let' myself have some now and then!

D

KnitterNotTwitter · 21/07/2010 17:18
EmmaKateWH · 21/07/2010 17:53

Yes smoked salmon is raw.
In lots of countries they advise you not to eat it. The official advice in the UK is that you don't have to avoid it, because hygiene standards are generally high, and if it has been properly stored it will be fine. Therefore, it is probably fine to eat smoked salmon whilst pregnant. I love smoked salmon but given that there is a very slight question mark hanging over it am avoiding it to be on the safe side, much the same as I am avoiding all drink, even though I am sure the occasional glass of wine would be fine. Doesn't seem worth the risk to me.

Bethy40 · 21/07/2010 18:17

I've been eating loads of smoked salmon and it never occurred to me!!! Thank goodness the general feeling is that it is ok in moderation! However, I didn't realise about the cold meats!! Not that I eat a lot but which ones should I be avoiding? Stable door and bolting spring to mind!! I'm 24 weeks!!

Elsa123 · 21/07/2010 18:55

not cold meats but cured meats like parma ham- you can have normal wiltshire crumbed ham for example.

seasister · 21/07/2010 20:22

EmmaKateWH - but there's a slight risk over everything if you take that approach. You could go to a cafe and have a sandwich and get food poisoning. I'm sure The FSA are very careful - how can they not be? - and if they say they don't think it has to be avoided, then surely that's a guideline worth accepting

Too much information out there, too much advice, too many guidelines

MacMomo · 21/07/2010 22:09

I thought I had read all the advice, but nothing at all about cured meat! I ate it solid for a week in Spain at 11 weeks pregnant and last night ate a plate full again. It isn't mentioned in my books! What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis - will I know if I have contracted it or will there be damage to the baby?

mrspnut · 21/07/2010 22:14

As one of the two times I have had food poisoning has been from a cheese and onion pasty, I am quite lax about what I will and won't eat.

I go by whether something looks and smells fresh, anything that has been hanging about is avoided and I tend to go for safe options if I haven't prepared it myself.

I do wish we'd take the french approach and test for toxoplasmosis so we can stop the unnecessary worrying.

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