Pregnancy is a time when women are extra cautious about what they eat, and for good reason. Certain foods can pose a risk to the health of the mother and the developing fetus.
One such food that has been a topic of debate for years is ham, particularly the beloved Iberico ham. For a long time, pregnant women were advised to avoid it due to the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through raw or undercooked meat.
However, recent studies have shed new light on the safety of consuming Iberico ham during pregnancy. In this article, we’ll explore the latest research and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to indulge in this Spanish delicacy while pregnant.
Can You Eat Iberico Ham When Pregnant?
The short answer is yes, you can eat Iberico ham when pregnant, but with some important caveats.
Firstly, it’s important to note that not all types of ham are created equal. Raw or undercooked ham, such as Serrano ham, should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of toxoplasmosis. However, Iberico ham that has been cured for at least 18 months is considered safe for pregnant women to consume.
This is because the curing process, which involves salting and drying the meat for an extended period of time, kills off any potential parasites that could cause toxoplasmosis. In fact, some studies have shown that the longer the curing process, the safer the ham is to eat.
It’s also important to note that not all Iberico ham is created equal. To ensure maximum safety and quality, pregnant women should opt for the highest quality Iberico ham that meets strict quality standards.
Understanding The Risks Of Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can be contracted through exposure to contaminated food, water, soil, or animal feces. While most people who contract toxoplasmosis do not experience any symptoms, the disease can be particularly harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies.
If a woman contracts toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, it can lead to serious health complications for the baby, including brain damage, vision loss, and other developmental problems. Therefore, it’s important for pregnant women to take precautions to avoid contracting the disease.
One of the most common ways to contract toxoplasmosis is through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, including ham. However, recent studies have shown that Iberico ham that has been cured for at least 18 months is safe for pregnant women to consume.
This is because the curing process kills off any potential parasites that could cause toxoplasmosis. Additionally, high-quality Iberico ham that meets strict quality standards is recommended for pregnant women to ensure maximum safety and quality.
It’s also important for pregnant women to practice good hygiene and food safety habits when handling and preparing food. This includes washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food, cooking meat to the appropriate temperature, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
While pregnant women are not routinely screened for toxoplasmosis in the UK, they can ask their midwife or doctor for a blood test to check for the infection. If a recent infection is detected, further tests may be carried out to check if the baby is affected and treatment may be given to reduce the risk of complications.
What Is Iberico Ham?
Iberico ham is a type of cured ham that comes from the Iberian pig, a breed native to Spain. These pigs are known for their unique characteristics, such as their black color, slender legs, and long snouts. They are also much fatter than other pig breeds, with veins of fat running through the muscle of the pig.
The curing process for Iberico ham is a long and slow one, which can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months. During this time, the ham is salted and dried, which allows for the development of a complex, intense flavor. The longer the curing process, the more flavorful and tender the ham becomes.
There are two main types of Iberico ham: Jamon Iberico and Jamon Iberico de Bellota. The latter is considered the highest quality and is made from pigs that have been fed a diet of acorns during their last few months of life. This results in a more marbled and flavorful meat.
When it comes to consuming Iberico ham during pregnancy, it’s important to choose ham that has been cured for at least 18 months to ensure that any potential parasites have been eliminated. Additionally, pregnant women should opt for high-quality Iberico ham that meets strict quality standards to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment.
The Debate Over Eating Iberico Ham While Pregnant
While it is generally accepted that Iberico ham is safe for pregnant women to consume, there is still some debate over the issue. Some experts argue that even the highest quality Iberico ham may still carry a small risk of transmitting toxoplasmosis, while others maintain that the risk is negligible.
One study conducted in Spain found that out of 1,500 samples of Iberico ham, only one tested positive for toxoplasmosis. The researchers concluded that the risk of transmission was extremely low and that pregnant women could safely consume Iberico ham as long as it had been properly cured.
However, other experts caution that pregnant women should still exercise caution when consuming any type of cured meat, including Iberico ham. They recommend that pregnant women only consume Iberico ham from reputable sources and that they avoid any ham that appears to be undercooked or has an unusual texture or smell.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to consume Iberico ham during pregnancy is up to each individual woman and her healthcare provider. While the risk of transmission is considered low, pregnant women may still choose to err on the side of caution and avoid all types of cured meats during pregnancy.
Recent Studies On The Safety Of Consuming Iberico Ham During Pregnancy
Recent studies have confirmed that consuming Iberico ham during pregnancy is safe as long as it has been cured for at least 18 months. The Andalusian Technological Center of the Meat Sector (Teica) conducted a study that found that the long curing process of Iberico ham eliminates any risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be harmful to both mother and fetus.
Another study carried out by the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics in conjunction with the Centro Tecnológico Agroalimentario (CICAP) also confirmed that consuming serrano ham is safe for pregnant women as long as it has been cured for more than 18 months.
The studies emphasize the importance of choosing high-quality Iberico ham that meets strict quality standards to ensure maximum safety and quality. It’s also recommended to freeze the product below -20°C for a couple of days and subject it to extreme cooking temperatures to further reduce any potential risk.
Precautions To Take When Eating Iberico Ham During Pregnancy
While Iberico ham is generally considered safe for pregnant women to consume, there are still some precautions that should be taken to minimize any potential risks.
Firstly, it’s recommended that the ham be frozen and thawed prior to consumption. This is because the toxoplasmosis parasite cannot survive being exposed to temperatures of -20°C for two days, or -10°C for three days. Products that have been frozen under these temperatures and for these periods of time may be consumed after having thawed them slowly.
Additionally, pregnant women should avoid consuming any raw meats, sausages, or hams that have been cured for less than 18 months. It’s also best to avoid ham terrines, rillettes, or pâté in pregnancy as they are more susceptible to listeria contamination.
When it comes to chorizo, pregnant women should avoid the kind that is cured and fermented when raw. This type of chorizo is technically eaten as raw and undercooked meat, which can increase the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. It’s best to avoid any kind of chorizo while eating out as you can’t be sure of how well it’s cooked.
Finally, it’s important to ensure good hygiene practices when handling and storing Iberico ham. Pregnant women should wash their hands thoroughly before and after handling the ham, and ensure that it is stored properly in the fridge or freezer.
By taking these precautions, pregnant women can safely enjoy the delicious taste of Iberico ham without worrying about any potential risks to their health or the health of their unborn child.
Other Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
While Iberico ham may be safe to consume during pregnancy, there are still other foods that should be avoided or limited to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.
One of the most important things to avoid is alcohol. It’s well-known that alcohol can have serious negative effects on a developing fetus, including physical and developmental disabilities. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether during pregnancy.
High-mercury fish, such as swordfish, some types of tuna, shark, mackerel, and tilefish should also be avoided. These fish can contain high levels of mercury, which can cause damage to a developing baby’s brain and nervous system.
Raw or undercooked seafood, including sushi and raw shellfish, should also be avoided due to the risk of bacterial or viral infections. These infections can cause miscarriage, stillbirths, preterm births, and even death.
Raw or undercooked meats should also be avoided due to the risk of harmful bacteria such as listeria, E. coli, and salmonella. This includes cured meats like salami and prosciutto unless they are cooked thoroughly.
Unpasteurized milk, cheese, and fruit juice should also be avoided due to the potential risk of harmful bacteria. Soft-ripened cheeses like goat cheese, brie, feta, and Camembert should be avoided as well.
Finally, it’s important to avoid raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean due to the risk of salmonella contamination. If you still want to consume sprouts, make sure they have been thoroughly cooked to minimize the risk of infection.
