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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Are hot dogs safe during pregnancy?

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about hot dogs during pregnancy?

  1. Hot dogs are on the CDC's list of foods that need to be reheated to steaming, about 165°F, before eating because of Listeria risk. 1
  2. Listeria can actually multiply at refrigerator temperatures, so even a hot dog stored correctly in the fridge can build up bacteria before its eat-by date. 2
  3. Pregnant people are roughly ten times more likely than others to develop a serious Listeria infection after exposure. 3
  4. Wash your hands, utensils, and any surface that touched raw hot dogs or the liquid in the package, since that fluid can carry Listeria too. 4

Is hot dogs safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. Reheat to steaming, the same rule applies across every trimester. A Listeria infection in the first trimester has been linked to miscarriage.
  • Second trimester. Keep reheating to steaming. Watch out at ballparks and picnics, where hot dogs are sometimes served just lukewarm.
  • Third trimester. Keep reheating to steaming. A Listeria infection late in pregnancy is a documented cause of stillbirth and preterm labor.

Frequently asked questions

Do canned or shelf-stable hot dogs need to be reheated?

Not really. Shelf-stable products, like canned Vienna sausages, don't carry the same Listeria risk as refrigerated ones. The regular refrigerated hot dogs most people buy do need reheating.

Is a grilled hot dog automatically hot enough?

Usually, as long as it's heated all the way through to steaming. Watch out for undercooked ends or dogs that were only briefly warmed on the grill.

What about turkey or plant-based hot dogs?

Turkey and plant-based hot dogs sold in the refrigerated section carry the same Listeria concern, so give them the same reheating step.

I ate a cold hot dog and I'm worried. What now?

Try not to panic, most exposures don't cause illness. Watch for fever, muscle aches, chills, or stomach symptoms for up to eight weeks, and call your provider if any show up.

Related in the library

References

  1. Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women, CDC Food Safety

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html

  2. About Listeria Infection, CDC

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/about/

  3. Listeriosis and Pregnancy, MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

    MotherToBaby · https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/listeriosis-pregnancy/

  4. About Listeria Infection

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/about/index.html

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.