Most foods and drinks are safe to have during pregnancy. But there are some things you should be careful with or avoid.
Iberico ham also known as “pata negra,” is a special type of cured ham made from black Iberian pigs in Spain and Portugal. It is highly prized for its rich, deep flavor and silky smooth texture. But can pregnant women safely eat this iconic Spanish delicacy?
Iberico ham falls into a gray area when it comes to pregnancy diet recommendations. Opinions seem divided on whether it should be completely avoided or can be consumed in moderation if handled properly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the facts and help you make an informed decision
Understanding the Curing Process
The first thing to understand is that Iberico ham is a dry-cured product. The fresh pork legs are rubbed with salt and spices then hung to air dry for 9 months up to 4 years. This results in an intensely flavored ham that is usually served raw in thin slices.
The dry curing process helps preserve the meat while inhibiting bacteria growth through dehydration and salt. However, it does not necessarily kill off all parasites and pathogens.
Potential Health Risks
There are a few main health risks to consider with cured meats like Iberico ham:
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Toxoplasmosis – This parasite can cause birth defects if passed to the fetus. It is more common in undercooked pork, and dry curing may not eliminate all Toxoplasma cysts.
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Listeria – Listeria bacteria can also lead to pregnancy complications. It can grow even under refrigeration.
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Nitrites – These curing agents may convert to carcinogenic nitrosamines. But traditional Iberico ham is cured just with salt.
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Hypertension – The high sodium content must be considered for those at risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
So while not risk-free, properly cured Iberico ham is less hazardous than many raw or undercooked meats when handled carefully.
Official Dietary Advice Around the World
Guidance on eating cured meats in pregnancy varies by country:
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Spain – Women are advised to avoid uncooked cured meats but Iberico ham is not specifically mentioned.
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UK – Cold cooked meats like Parma ham are considered safe in a meal.
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USA – All raw and undercooked meats should be avoided, including Iberico ham.
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Australia – High risk foods like prosciutto and salami should be completely avoided.
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Canada – Unreheated deli meats, pâtés and spreads should be avoided.
In Spain and the UK, moderate Iberico ham intake may be deemed acceptable if food safety guidelines are followed. But in North America and Australia, it seems to be firmly off the menu during pregnancy.
Safest Options for Eating Iberico Ham
If you decide the risks of eating Iberico ham are low enough, here are some tips to minimize hazards:
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Choose artisanal Iberico ham with an authentic quality seal like “DO Dehesa de Extremadura.” Avoid generic or mass-produced brands.
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Check the label indicates salt-curing without added nitrates/nitrites. Longer curing times are better.
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Buy sealed, vacuum-packed portions to avoid deli slicer contamination.
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Refrigerate sealed and eat within 2-3 weeks to inhibit Listeria growth.
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Wash hands thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination when handling.
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Heat to an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C to kill toxoplasma and bacteria.
While cold Iberico ham offers the best texture and flavor, heating provides an extra safety net for pregnant women.
Tips for Safely Heating Iberico Ham
If you want to gently heat Iberico ham before eating, here are some serving suggestions:
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Add slices to pizza and bake until piping hot throughout.
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Finely chop or dice to mix into hot pasta, risotto or soup right before serving.
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Wrap in foil or bake in pastry until 165°F/75°C internal temperature.
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Briefly warm in a skillet with olive oil until steaming.
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Microwave 30-60 seconds until piping hot (texture may suffer slightly).
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Stir small pieces into simmering stews, beans or potatoes just before eating.
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Lightly roast or grill until sizzling but not dried out or burnt.
With practice, you can get Iberico ham hot enough to kill bacteria without overcooking it into a tough, salty mess. This opens up more options for safely enjoying small amounts in pregnancy.
Can You Completely Avoid Iberico Ham in Pregnancy?
Some pregnant women prefer to avoid Iberico ham and other cured meats altogether for peace of mind. Every pregnancy is different, and extra caution is understandably warranted.
However, many Spanish women do continue to eat thin slices of quality jamón ibérico in moderation as part of their normal diet. The main concern there is Listeria rather than Toxoplasma.
If your healthcare provider recommends against it or you have any doubts, there are many other delicious Spanish foods to enjoy instead!
Healthy Alternatives to Iberico Ham in Spain
If traveling in Spain during pregnancy, you can still savor authentic cuisine without cured ham:
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Cooked Spanish chorizo sausage when heated thoroughly
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Cold gazpacho, ajoblanco or salmorejo soups
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Warm chickpea stews like cocido madrileño
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Sheep’s milk cheeses like Manchego, Mahón and Zamorano
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Crispy croquetas made with cooked ham
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Hearty tortilla de patatas and other hot egg dishes
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Grilled meats like beef, lamb and pork cooked well-done
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Seafood dishes like paella, grilled gambas, etc.
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Roasted vegetables like menestra, pisto, piquillo peppers
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Fresh pan tumaca topped with tomato and olive oil
With so many savory options, you can easily avoid uncertain foods and still delight your tastebuds with delicious Spanish cuisine. ¡Buen provecho!
The Bottom Line
There are no definitive right or wrong answers when it comes to eating Iberico ham in pregnancy. Discuss it with your doctor and make an informed personal choice based on your risk factors and comfort level.
If choosing to eat it, select high-quality artisanal ham and take precautions like heating thoroughly before eating. And if in doubt, don’t hesitate to skip it as there are plenty of other fantastic Spanish foods to enjoy!
Fruits, vegetables and salads
Be careful with salads, fruits, and vegetables because they may have dirt on them that can make you sick.
Make sure to thoroughly wash all fruits, vegetables and salad ingredients.
You do not need to avoid eating peanuts when youre pregnant.
You should only stay away from peanuts if a doctor tells you to or if you have a nut allergy.
Do not take high-dose multivitamin supplements, or any supplements with vitamin A in them.
What to be careful with
- cured meats that are kept cold, like prosciutto, pepperoni, salami, and chorizo (unless they are fully cooked).
- raw or undercooked meat
- liver and liver products
- all types of pâté, including vegetarian pâté
- game meats such as goose, partridge or pheasant
Theres a small risk of getting toxoplasmosis if you eat raw and undercooked meat, which can cause miscarriage.
Cured meats are not cooked, so they may have parasites in them that cause toxoplasmosis.
Liver and liver products have lots of vitamin A in them. This can be harmful to an unborn baby.
Game meats may contain lead shot.
Are deli meats safe during pregnancy? Dietitian explains
FAQ
What ham is safe to eat when pregnant?
Is Ibérico ham safe to eat?
Is Ibérico ham cooked?
Is Acorn Iberico ham good for pregnant women?
This study has showed on its first conclusions that: “ acorn Iberico ham consumption is positive for pregnant women”, due to the fact its curing process eradicates all toxoplasmosis risks.
Are pregnant women allowed to eat shrimps?
Properly cooked shrimp is considered a safe choice for women because it is low in mercury, a which can be detrimental to baby’s health. Consuming moderate amounts of seafood provides a source of the omega-3 fatty acids that a baby needs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces, and up to 12 ounces, of a variety of low mercury seafood per week. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid raw seafood. For a healthy guide to choosing the right fish, the Environmental Defense Fund provides both a handy guide on toxin load in various fish species and recommended serving limits per month for men, women, and children.
Is it safe to eat ham during pregnancy?
The prohibition of eating ham it is one of the worst things that pregnant women go through. If the woman has not suffered from toxoplasmosis it is recommended she avoids eating raw or not fully cooked meat in order to avoid contagion of the disease during pregnancy, new studies show that the risk eating ham is less than in other meats.
Can pregnant women eat deli ham cold?
It’s really down to you to decide, but pregnant women are generally advised to avoid eating deli ham cold for these reasons. The same guidelines about cooking also apply to deli ham – if you heat it up thoroughly until it’s steaming hot, then any potential listeria bacteria will be killed and the ham will be safer to eat.