Food safety during pregnancy: Three simple rules

Food hygiene is important for everyone but it’s particularly good to be careful how you prepare, handle and store food now you’re pregnant.

Foodborne illnesses can be worse during pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage or premature delivery. This is why food safety during pregnancy is so important, and why pregnant women should follow three simple food safety rules.

Food safety in pregnancy rule #1: Keep it cold

Just as it is important to keep hot foods hot, it is equally important to keep cold foods cold. Don’t eat chilled food if it’s been left out for more than 2 hours. Keep in mind that the presence of harmful bacteria may not be evident solely through visual or olfactory cues.

Food safety in pregnancy rule #2: Keep it hot

Cooking food to the right temperature kills harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check meat, egg, and microwaved dishes on your menu. Keep hot foods at 60°C or warmer and make sure there’s no pink left in cooked meat and fish.

Food safety in pregnancy rule #3: Keep it clean

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before starting to prepare or eat any food, even a snack. Also, wash your hands with soap after touching pets. Use separate cutting boards and knives for raw and cooked food.

Food safety in pregnancy: Keep it cold, keep it hot and keep it clean! 

Learn more about food safety in pregnancy by understanding which foods to avoid and which foods to limit.