Pregnancy and eating at restaurants...

[bizbiz]

I started off eating everything - yes, hams and soft serves...all the things you shouldnt, but my sister in law has told me she was very careful and didnt eat certain foods because she was scared of listeria. Now I am too. But my husband and I love eating out but now I'm worried. I got a pamphlet on listeria and the foods you should eat and should avoid, and it basically said dont eat anything that hasnt been made fresh or has to be heated up. So what if I order a plate of dips? I dont think that they would whip them up then and there...wouldnt they make a huge batch and then just dish it out when needed? So is this bad? And we have a great Indian restaurant that I love which makes great raita - I'm sue that it would be the same thing with them - they would just make up a whole heap and then dish it out accordiningly. So what if it has been sitting in the fridge for a few days before I eat it?

I'm getting so paranoid  - I have a friends bbq next weekend and I dont want to even go because who knows  - she could have made the salads a day ahead to save time...or what if she pats her dog then doesnt wash her hands before handling the food? I know its gross, but I always have to remind my husband to wash his hands - he could be outside working on the car and then just rinse his hands with water and think its enough! And then he will think he can help me prepare food with dirty hands!

This is making me crazy!! Is anyone else really careful with what they eat too?

[kellym]

I think that you are being a bit overly cautious. A salad made the day before? There's nothing wrong with that. Just use your natural instincts. If it looks old or tastes old, don't eat it. Don't eat unpasteurized cheeses or milks, raw meat or fish and you should be just fine.

[tricia448]

i can understand your concern...however most people dont live in a bubble..lol...so its kind of impossible to screen everything you eat and make everything home made. even if you go out to eat...most places will tell you its fresh...even if its not. if you feel really strong and nervous you should prepare all your food yourself...maybe that will put your mind at ease...i can understand your paranoia though...because even when i am not pregnant i am anal about eating at BBQ's, fast food places and resturants.i am always wondering if the person who made the food washed there hands and the whole germ issue. best of luck!!!