Yes, you can eat cooked sausage when pregnant, provided it is cooked thoroughly.
It's essential to ensure that any sausage you consume during pregnancy is fully cooked to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses. According to guidelines, pregnant women should avoid undercooked meat, especially pork, sausages and burgers. The reference states, "Any meat you eat should be cooked thoroughly, should not be pink or have any blood coming out of it. You should also be careful to cook sausages and minced meat thoroughly."
Why Thorough Cooking is Important
- Eliminating Bacteria: Thorough cooking kills harmful bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella, which can cause serious illness in pregnant women and harm the developing baby.
- Preventing Parasites: Undercooked meat may contain parasites that can be harmful.
How to Ensure Sausage is Cooked Thoroughly
Here's how to ensure your sausage is safe to eat during pregnancy:
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
- Visual Inspection: The sausage should not be pink inside, and the juices should run clear.
- Cooking Methods: Sausages can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, frying, baking, or boiling. Regardless of the method, make sure they are cooked all the way through.
