During a recent food manager safety training and certification class, we were having a discussion on cooking temperatures and time control and how you must include a menu advisory should customers wish to order undercooked proteins such as over-easy eggs or a medium-rare steak. It just so happened that we had an expectant mother attending the session, and she brought up the point that pregnant women need to follow stricter food safety standards when it comes to the foods they consume. With that in mind, it’s important to take a look at food manager safety standards in the event you have a pregnant guest who has questions concerning your menu items.
Food Manager Safety and Pregnant Women
Bacteria and pathogens that may not affect the mother may have dire consequences to the young life growing inside her. This is why you must be careful when preparing food for women that may be pregnant.
All food prepared for expectant mothers must be served hot enough to have killed common pathogens. Undercooked proteins could still contain bacteria. Fish is a great source of protein for a growing baby, but can contain parasites, bacteria or viruses, so food manager safety standards recommend special caution to ensure all seafood is cooked thoroughly. Sushi, sashimi, ceviche and raw shellfish should never be served to pregnant guests.
Some foods commonly thought of as ready to eat may not be safe for pregnant mothers and their future child. Cured deli meats, lox, smoked fish and jerky may pose some sort of health risk due to not being fully heated during the curing process.
Certain dairy products also pose a threat. Food manager safety standards suggest CFPMs be aware that soft cheeses like gorgonzola, brie or feta can spread small amounts of salmonella, E.coli or campylobacter to a growing fetus. Any unpasteurized dairy products can cause harm and should never make their way to a pregnant mother’s plate.
Finally, undercooked eggs also could contain salmonella that might endanger a developing child. Besides the obvious undercooked eggs, there are quite a few common menu items that contain undercooked eggs.
- Caesar salad dressing and other creamy dressings
- Hollandaise sauce
- Custards
When serving products that contain eggs, assume any items that do not reach 155-degrees during the cooking process as unsafe for expectant mothers.
Do you feel prepared to serve expectant mothers according to food manager safely standards when they choose your establishment?
