Verified by Kimberly Langdon M.D.
Kimberly Langdon is an obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience and graduated from The Ohio State University, College of Medicine.
You may wonder if you can indulge in your corn dog cravings while pregnant and are worried about whether it’s safe to eat. We’ve detailed everything you need to know about consuming corn dogs during pregnancy and if premade corn dogs are safe to eat.
Can You Eat Corn Dogs While Pregnant?
In most cases, yes – it’s safe to eat corn dogs during your pregnancy. They are safe to consume if they are cooked at the correct temperature. If the corn dogs you are about to eat were cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F, it is safe to consume.
According to the FDA, to avoid contaminants and sickness related to undercooked meat, cord dogs and other semi-processed foods should be prepared at the proper heat to prevent sickness and safety risks. Try to avoid reheating with a microwave, and if you can’t, then at least ensure reheating is done at the proper heat (165°F).
It also doesn’t matter what type of corn dog meat is used and the coating, so long as they are cooked correctly, you can consider this a safe choice for you during your pregnancy when eaten fresh. We always suggest steaming hot to prevent any nasty bacteria or contamination.
What Are Corn Dogs Made Of?
Corn dogs are filled with beef or pork and covered in a sweet cornmeal batter before deep fried. The sausage filling is much like your traditional hot dog; there are even chicken options depending on where you buy your corn dogs.
Despite corn dogs being an integral part of our cuisine during events and gatherings, only a few know exactly what they’re made of. They’re hot dogs on a stick, covered in glorious cornmeal batter and deep-fried to give us that traditional crispy golden-brown hue we all love.
Listeria Symptoms
If your corn dogs aren’t cooked to the proper internal temperature, you risk exposing yourself to Listeria.
Pregnant Women usually only display non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches. Being infected with Listeria when pregnant can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, and other life-threatening risks.
Listeria is harmful bacteria that comes from eating undercooked meats and other undercooked processed food types and is especially life-threatening for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. This dangerous bacteria does not usually affect those with healthy immune systems. Still, during pregnancy, it’s important to be cautious about how your meat is cooked and prepared.
Almost everyone who has had Listeria also has other invasive infections caused, such as bloodstream infection or central nervous system compromises leading to meningitis.
Some of the symptoms of Listeriosis for pregnant women can include the following:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headaches
- Muscle ache
Are Premade Corn Dogs Safe During Pregnancy?
When you order premade corn dogs, they’re usually stored in a hot container and deep fried in temperatures between 325 °F to 375 °F, making them safe to consume according to the FDA recommendations and guidelines.
Avoid cord dogs that are not served warm enough and if they’re lukewarm, ask someone to have your corn dogs reheated until hot and steaming.
Let’s Wrap It Up
It’s always best to be cautious – so long as your corn dogs are fresh and served piping hot after being deep fried in the correct temperatures, you can certainly enjoy these easy and crispy treats.
Sources:
https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/fact-or-fiction-food-safety-moms-be
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/ice-cream-03-15/signs-symptoms.html
