Ok, I simply MUST know the answer to this question:

Any meat grosses me out, so while I could look it up for you, I really would rather not!! But okay, since you need to know...

"There are at least two areas of concern in regard to eating lunch meats while you are pregnant: nitrates and listeria.

Pre-packaged lunch meats often contain high levels of a preservative called sodium nitrate. There have been few studies related to the effect of sodium nitrates on pregnancy, but some experts suggest that nitrates may cause problems during pregnancy.

The biggest concern with lunch meats during pregnancy is the risk of listeria. Listeria is a bacteria that can be found in deli meats as well as vegetables and processed foods. This bacteria can cause an illness known as Listeriosis, which can cause any number of problems during pregnancy such as:

- Miscarriage
- Premature delivery
- Infection to the newborn
- Death to the newborn (about 1/4 of the cases of perinatal Listeriosis result in stillbirth or neonatal death.)

Symptoms of Listeriosis may include mild flu like symptoms, headaches, muscle aches, fever, nausea and vomiting. If the infection spreads to the nervous system it can cause stiff neck, disorientation or convulsions. Infection can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the third trimester when your immune system is somewhat suppressed. Be sure to contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

To avoid getting listeriosis from cold cuts, reheat the cold cuts until steaming. In addition, avoid soft cheeses, refrigerated pates, cooked seafood, and practice safe food handling." - AmazingPregnancy.com

- Krista

I've been dying for Brie, Feta, bleu cheese & every other no-no cheese For some reason, I am ALL ABOUT DAIRY since I've been pg!!!

Quote:
I was under the impression that as long as it is pasteurized it is okay.
Just check the label, I am sure you can find some.


Amy

Quote:
The info I've read has just stated soft cheeses in general. I think it's pretty hard to get ahold of unpastuerized cheese in the US (I'm sure I'd love it!). I'm 99% sure that you can only buy pastuerized cheese in the supermarket... which makes sense w/ what I've read that listeria is a risk in all soft cheeses- pastuerized or not.

Does anyone have any info specifically regarding pastuerized cheese?

Here's another question- what's wrong with canned tuna? Quite a few people have mentioned that on the "confessions" thread & I didn't know there was anything wrong w/ it.

Now raw, seared Ahi tuna is another thing all together... what I wouldn't give for some of that right now!!!

Quote:
There is the possibilityof mercury contamination, but it is rare, especially in light tuna. It is more an issue with albacore.

Quote:
I am pretty sure it is because of the mercury in tuna and some other seafoods. I hate most seafoods, but I love canned tuna and fried shrimp. I am not sure if the shrimp is bad or not, but I still crave and eat it on occasion.

Quote:
H*ll yes!!!! I could eat that stuff any time, any place, on anything, or straight out of the package on my finger!!! Can't WAIT to not be pg & gorge myself on it!