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Moms-to-be should avoid eating raw or undercooked finfish or shellfish (including oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops).Ĭook raw meat and poultry to safe internal temperatures. Shucked clams and shucked oysters are fully cooked when they are opaque (milky white) and firm.Į ating Raw Seafood Is Risky - A pregnant woman and her unborn baby are at risk if she eats raw or undercooked seafood.Cook clams, mussels, and oysters until their shells open.Scallops should be opaque (milky white) and firm. The flesh of shrimp and lobster should be an opaque (milky white) color. Cook shrimp, lobster, and scallops until they reach their appropriate color.Cook fish until it's opaque (milky white) and flakes with a fork.When a food thermometer is not available or appropriate, follow these tips to determine when seafood is done: Here's how.įinfish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145° F (63° C). Raw fish (such as sushi or sashimi) or foods made with raw fish are more likely to contain parasites or bacteria than foods made from cooked fish, so it's important to cook fish thoroughly. Frozen, raw whole poultry that's been pre-stuffed is safe and should be cooked in its frozen state don't defrost it first.The raw-meat juices mixing with the stuffing can cause bacterial growth. Avoid purchasing fresh, raw whole poultry that's been pre-stuffed.Refrigerate or freeze seafood immediately if you're not going to cook it right away.ĭue to the evidence of benefits from eating fish, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consume at least 8 and up to 12 ounces per week of a variety of fish, from choices that are lower in methylmercury.įor more information, see Dietary Advice for Moms-to-Be.Buy only fresh seafood that's refrigerated or properly iced.
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During the automatic defrost cycle, the temperature may temporarily register slightly higher than 40° F (4° C). Place a refrigerator thermometer in the refrigerator, and check the temperature periodically.
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One teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach per quart of clean water can also be used to sanitize surfaces. Kitchen countertops that come in contact with raw meat, poultry, and seafood can be sanitized using a kitchen sanitizer. Wash cutting boards, dishes, and utensils (including knives), and countertops with soap and hot water after they come in contact with raw meat, poultry or seafood.Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
SAFE INTERNAL TEMP FOR CHICKEN HOW TO
Here's how to keep harmful bacteria at bay and your family safe. Protein in meat, poultry, and seafood is an important nutrient in your diet, but it can also be an ideal environment for some harmful bacteria. Meat, Poultry & Seafood | Dairy & Eggs | Fruits, Veggies & Juices | Ready-to-Eat Foods | Eating Out & Bringing In Welcome to Safe Eats, your food-by-food guide to selecting, preparing, and handling foods safely throughout your pregnancy and beyond!
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