9

long time StackOverflow user (and home cook). My wife is now almost 5 months pregnant, and whilst initially I didn't want to serve her sous vide food (she didn't want any) 5 months of non sous vide meals has taken its toll on her!

After looking into sous vide pasteurization it would seem that as long as food is pasteurized, it is super safe (if not safer than any other method).

So am I right in thinking, that as long as food has reached its pasteurized temp for the right time, there are no food safety issues (regarding pregnant women etc).

So technically I could serve her a rare(ish) steak, cooked at 136F, if I slow cooked it over say 8 hours?

Likewise, the first meal I was going to attempt was sous vide ribs, 8 hours at 164F (to be safe).

Thanks!

Improve this question
1

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
10

Pasteurization is the process of heating food to kill pathogenic bacteria, rendering it safe to eat. Pasteurization is a function of temperature and time. Using sous vide, one could easily have a pasteurized rare steak, or even a "raw" egg. So, yes...pasteurized food is able to be consumed more safely by people who are immunocompromised or pregnant. These guides will be helpful.

Improve this answer
6
  • 2
    How many millions, or billions of healthy babies have been born without the aid of sous vide?
    – dougal 5.0.0
    Apr 20, 2017 at 13:36
  • 4
    Some researchers think that babies develop tastes for foods eaten by the mother while in the womb. I'd say that's an argument in favor!
    – GdD
    Apr 20, 2017 at 13:38
  • So that explains an entire generation of teenagers eating Mc Donalds (coal) does it? So, according to your thinking, babies born to curry eaters go onto demand curry?
    – dougal 5.0.0
    Apr 20, 2017 at 14:00
  • 2
    @dougal3.0.0 and how many pregnant women have been craving for a rare steak or other forbidden food? But desisted for the sake of the child? And we are not even discussing the effects of low iron levels. Speaking of experience (gnawing on "well-done" myself back then): this daddy-to-be is doing something very nice for his wife.
    – Stephie ♦
    Apr 20, 2017 at 15:12
  • 2
    As for the taste: taste, not demand. Both in the womb and via breastfeeding. And I can attest that at least the milk tastes different depending on what the mother eats. Including "hot" - there was the instance of Thai curry that made my baby refuse to nurse.
    – Stephie ♦
    Apr 20, 2017 at 15:15

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.