Can I Eat Any Lunch Meats?

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QUESTION

Dear Nutritionist,
I have a question regarding Listeria. I have been reading quite a few articles on the dangers of Listeria, specifically found in certain kinds of fish and meats and cheeses.

I just wondered if all "lunch meats" or "deli meats" were off limits, or if there is a "safe" amount to eat or certain kinds that are safer than others. Would buying meats from a deli be better or worse than the pre-packed store bought meats? I miss my sandwiches!

Thank you for your time!
Melissa

ANSWER

Hello Melissa,

The advice from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is: "Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, or deli meats unless they are reheated until steaming hot." So you can still have luncheon or deli meats but you need to reheat them until steaming hot before eating them. There are also other guidelines that you can find concerning listeria at www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/lm_tearsheet.htm

Good luck with your pregnancy!
-- Kimberly, RD LD