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Steak tartare during pregnancy: can you eat it?

Steak tartare during pregnancy — food recommendations

Steak tartare

  Not recommended

Eating raw meat is not recommended during pregnancy, especially if you are not immune to toxoplasmosis.

If you are immune to toxoplasmosis, raw meat also carries a low risk of listeria contamination that may justify avoiding it while you are pregnant.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection transmitted by raw or undercooked meat. In the fetus, it can cause eye and brain lesions or developmental delays. The risk is eliminated by thorough cooking (70°C/158°F) or prior freezing (-20°C/-4°F for 3 days).

If you like meat, opt for well-done steaks, slow-cooked stews, or oven-baked dishes. Fish tartare (salmon, tuna) is a possible alternative if the fish has been previously frozen.

To learn more, read our comprehensive guide: everything you need to know about this food during pregnancy

Sources and references

  1. Cook et al., "Sources of toxoplasma infection in pregnant women: European multicentre case-control study", BMJ. 2000

Frequently asked questions

Can you eat steak tartare while pregnant?

No, steak tartare is not recommended during pregnancy. Raw meat carries a risk of toxoplasmosis (especially if you are not immune) and a risk of listeriosis. Prefer well-cooked meat.

Steak tartare and pregnancy: what are the risks?

The main risk is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can cause birth defects in the fetus. Raw meat can also contain the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.

I ate steak tartare while pregnant, what should I do?

Consult your doctor, especially if you are not immune to toxoplasmosis. A follow-up serology test may be prescribed. Watch for the appearance of fever or swollen lymph nodes in the following weeks.

Can you eat carpaccio while pregnant?

No, carpaccio is raw meat and is not recommended during pregnancy for the same reasons as steak tartare: risk of toxoplasmosis and listeriosis.

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