Pregnancy will be a phase of life where there are a lot of questions. You are pregnant and during your medical consultations, you have been given many dietary recommendations. But you feel lost on what food is allowed or not recommended. To prevent causing your baby illness, it is great to follow various feeding recommendations. Can we eat red mullet when pregnant? It can depend on how it is prepared generally. This way we will see with you if you can eat red mullet when pregnant, in raw, smoked, steamed, frozen or cooked form.
How can you eat red mullet while pregnant without risk?
Can we eat red mullet raw when pregnant?
Raw fish is contraindicated while pregnant without exception. Eat red mullet when pregnant, will not be encouraged during pregnancy. Raw fish may possibly contain bacteria such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. Listeriosis (bacteria) and toxoplasmosis (parasites) are foodborne illnesses. They are generally transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. If the fish is not cooked, then the bacteria is not killed. It can spread and be transmitted to your baby. For that reason, to prevent worries, do not eat red mullet raw. In this category, this includes all sushi, sashimi, tartars, carpaccio, ceviche, gravlax salmon…
Can we eat red mullet smoked when we are pregnant?
The answer is precisely the same as for raw fish, it is not recommended to eat red mullet smoked when pregnant. Smoked fish may possibly contain the same bacteria as raw fish. Foodborne illnesses will include listeriosis and toxoplasmosis infection.
Can we eat red mullet steamed when pregnant ?
Steam cooking often exceeds 158°F/70°C, which is recommended for red mullet steam cooking. Therefore you will be able to safely eat red mullet steamed when pregnant .
Can we eat red mullet frozen while pregnant?
The frozen fish could be eaten by the pregnant woman. You will have to make sure that the cold chain has been respected. In case that you freeze red mullet at home, then you will be able to eat it when you are pregnant. Make sure that the temperature of the freezer is well below -0.4°F/-18°C.
Can we eat red mullet cooked during pregnancy?
When you eat red mullet while pregnant, you are totally safe. Any cooking method above 158°F/70°C allows you to kill bacteria that may possibly be present in fish. As well as your fish being cooked in papillote, in the oven, in the frying pan, it will be safe to eat.
What precautions will there be to prevent becoming infected by eating red mullet when pregnant?
Food hygiene rule during pregnancy
It is recommended not to eat fish more than two times a week. It is great to vary the species and supply locations. It is relatively preferable to limit the consumption of the following fish: sea bream, skate, halibut, tuna, carp, sea bass, monkfish, bonito, and eel. It is recommended to avoid the consumption of swordfish, marlin, siki, shark and lamprey.
Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an infection transmitted by a resistant bacteria found in soil, vegetation and water. To protect yourself, you shouldn’t eat risky foods, and follow certain rules during food preparation and handling. The infection can then be transmitted to the fetus, that may lead to premature delivery or miscarriage. Risky products are raw milk or products made out of raw milk (raw milk cheeses), soft cheeses (brie, camembert,…), delicatessen products, rillettes and pâtés, foie gras, smoked or raw fish and seafood products (so not raw or smoked white tuna), raw or undercooked meat, cooked dishes that have been in the fridge for too long,…Listeria is a bacterium killed by pasteurization and cooking. To protect yourself from listeriosis, cook your food sufficiently and do not eat risky foods.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease, linked to a parasite found in soil and meat. Toxoplasmosis will sometimes also be transmitted by cats and their poop. Many women have been contaminated with toxoplasmosis and have developed antibodies. However, some women don’t have these antibodies and for that reason will have to follow some food hygiene rules during their pregnancy. Human contamination can happen in three ways, either by eating undercooked meat or fish, or by eating food contaminated (raw vegetables) with cat poop. Here are some recommendations to avoid being infected with toxoplasmosis when you are pregnant. Wash your hands very often, especially if you have prepared raw meat, earth or raw vegetables. Do not rub your eyes while touching raw meat. Eat well-cooked meat and fish and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Conclusion
At last, it may be possible to eat red mullet while pregnant but in some forms. You can explore for a food in our search bar for pregnant women.