Skip to Main Content

Practicing food safety during pregnancy doesn’t mean eliminating your favorites, professor explains

Many changes occur for women during pregnancy, including new dietary considerations and intense cravings. Yaohua “Betty” Feng, associate professor of food science, says that while some foods present a higher risk for illness during this time, there are still ways women can enjoy their favorites safely. 

The hormonal changes to a woman’s body during pregnancy can provide resilience, but behind that boost in strength lies a compromised immune system. Feng explains this naturally occurring change allows the immune system to accept carrying the fetus, while also causing a weakened state for fighting foodborne bacteria. Pathogens also pose a risk to unborn babies with underdeveloped immune systems. 

“I like to think of pregnancy as sort of an apprenticeship for taking care of a newborn. When you’re pregnant, you feel like some of these precautions are like a chore. But after nine months, these simple things become routine,” Feng explains. “Children under the age of five are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses, so these habits you’ve formed aren’t just keeping you safe, they’re keeping your children safe as well.” 

While pregnancy literature advises avoiding deli meat, including ham and salami, it may not always explain why. Feng said deli meat is at high risk for listeria contamination. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to getting listeriosis, which is the disease caused by this bacterium. Heating deli meats until steamy will kill off potential bacteria, allowing for safe consumption. 

As a sushi lover herself, Feng said she understands the disappointment many women feel when told they should avoid it during pregnancy. However, there are safer ways the beloved rice rolls can be enjoyed. 

“Raw fish should be avoided because it has a high risk for listeria contamination. Your sushi chef wouldn’t be very happy if you asked them to heat all the raw fish in your sushi rolls,” Feng explained. “However, it does not hurt if you make some veggie rolls at home with rice and sliced vegetables, like cucumber or avocado.” 

Feng offers these "four C’s” of food safety for moms-to-be: 

  • Clean: Always wash your hands with soap before handling food, including after touching your phone. 
  • Cook: Use a food thermometer to make sure the meat and eggs are cooked thoroughly to food-safe temperatures. Eggs and all ground meats must be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit; poultry and other fowl to 165 degrees Fahrenheit; and fresh meat steaks, chops and roasts to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Chill: Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator to ensure it is always at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Choose: Avoid meat, egg and milk when served raw. Read restaurant menus carefully to ensure raw ingredients are not included in a dish before ordering or consuming.  

For more tips on food safety and general health information, visit Feng’s Lab on Facebook and Instagram

Featured Stories

Graduating students
Purdue Agriculture graduates take their next giant leap

As students prepare to don their caps and cross the stage, learn how Purdue Agriculture’s...

Read More
Seed oil in grocery store
Majority of consumers perceive seed oils as safe, but health concerns rise

Most consumers are somewhat familiar with seed oils, but overall, they feel unsure or neutral...

Read More
Four maps depicting maximum levels of PFAS — PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS and PFNA — in drinking water across all Indiana counties based on data from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future publishes first look at ‘forever chemicals’ statewide

Purdue University’s Institute for a Sustainable Future (ISF) has released the first Indiana...

Read More
Student working on manufacturing food.
First-quarter Agrifood Economy Index shows acute downturn in industry confidence

The March edition of the Agrifood Economy Index reveals a pronounced downturn in industry...

Read More
Mary Schultz stands in front of a horse paddock at the Purdue vet hospital
How do landscape architects design spaces for animals?

The Purdue University Veterinary Hospital (PVH) offers specialized medical care to both small and...

Read More
interns
Franklin Pest Solutions Sponsors Two 2025 Bug Bowl Interns

Franklin Pest Solutions sponsored two interns, Aiden Bemis and Colleen Murphy, at the 2025 Purdue...

Read More
To Top