Can you eat smoked salmon when you are pregnant?

During pregnancy, smoked salmon can be dangerous for the fetus and for the smooth progress of gestation. This fish, salted then cold smoked, can in fact harbor parasites and contaminate the future mother as well as her baby. What are the risks in case of consumption? Conversely, can we eat cooked salmon or previously frozen salmon? Magali Le Mardeley, dietitian-nutritionist, takes stock.

Can a pregnant woman eat smoked salmon?

The answer is no! Health authorities recommend that pregnant womenavoid eating smoked fishlike the smoked salmon. And for good reason, “the smoking technique does not allow cooking to reach 63°C at the core, a temperature which will inactivate any bacteria” which can contaminate the future mother and her baby, explains the dietician. However, it is good to remember that “the recommendations recommend that pregnant women eat one fatty fish per week. If it’s not salmon it could be sardinesof mackerelof herring etc.”adds the specialist.

“The smoking technique does not allow a cooking temperature of 63°C to be achieved at the core, to destroy any bacteria.”

What are the risks of eating smoked salmon when you are pregnant?

In pregnant women, the two risks linked to the consumption of smoked salmon are listeriosis and the toxoplasmosis, listeriosis being the main risk when eating seafood. The consequences of these contaminations can be serious for the fetus and in certain cases lead to pregnancy complications.

Risk of listeriosis

There listeriosis is caused by a small bacteria called a Listeria monocytogenes. Sensitive to heat, the latter is destroyed when exposed to high temperature. Which is not the case with the smoked salmon. It can lead to a miscarriageA premature birth or a neonatal disease severe. It is therefore important to be particularly vigilant if a pregnant woman has eaten smoked or raw fish. “The infection may go unnoticed, take the form of contractions, or result in a feverish peak.specifies the Institut Pasteur website which nevertheless indicates that despite the existence of an effective antibiotic treatment, “the progression can be fatal even in the event of appropriate and early treatment.“

Risk of toxoplasmosis

There toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii. It is transmitted by herbivorous and omnivorous animals and can be found in raw or undercooked vegetables or meats. Fish, from the vertebrate family, are in principle not affected by this parasite, unless they are in contact with “river water contaminated by excrement” of contaminated animals, indicates the Health Insurance website, detailing the possible sources of contamination.

Can you eat smoked salmon when you are pregnant if you are immune to toxoplasmosis?

The answer to this question is unfortunately no. Being immunized against toxoplasmosis does not protect against listeriosis. It is preferable to completely avoid smoked salmon and raw salmon during pregnancy, regardless of the serological status relating to toxoplasmosis of the future mother.

Can you eat frozen salmon during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, salmon that has been previously frozen should not be consumedwhether as raw salmon or as smoked salmon. Indeed, if freezing destroys certain parasites responsible for infections in pregnant women, such as toxoplasmosis, it has no impact on the listeriosis. Because as the Ministry of Health website indicates, “unlike most other bacteria, Listeria is psychrophilic, meaning it can grow at low or even very low temperatures.“. It can therefore be present in freezers.

Can you eat cooked salmon when you are pregnant?

Pregnant women can eat cooked salmon. “It is a very good source of protein, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and omega-3,” lists the expert. This type of fish poses no danger to the future child when it is well cooked through. In this case, it is necessary “favor salmon in the form steamed, in the oven, in foil“, explains Magali le Mardeley.

Is the smoked salmon cooked?

No ! Smoked salmon is made from raw salmon fillets which are first salted then exposed in a smokehouse smoke from burning wood. This process, called “cold smoking”, in reality at 30°, does not cook the fish. While it is possible to smoke your own salmon, most people buy it commercially. The smoked salmon found in stores mainly comes from Norway, Scotland, Ireland and sometimes Canada.

Thanks to Magali Le Mardeley, dietician-nutritionist.