Is it safe to eat grilled meats, fish, and vegetables during pregnancy ?

Barbecue Season is Here! But What Can You Eat While Pregnant?

Summer is here, and so is BBQ season! But if you’re pregnant, you might be wondering what you can safely eat at a barbecue. Grilled meats, fish, vegetables… Is BBQ safe during pregnancy?

Can You Enjoy BBQ While Pregnant?

Of course! You just need to take some precautions, especially regarding cooking. Whether it's meat or fish, always ensure that food is thoroughly cooked inside and out. No rare or undercooked meat during pregnancy! If necessary, ask the cook to leave it on the grill a bit longer to eliminate any risk of toxoplasmosis—especially if you’re not immune.

Use Purified Charcoal for Safer Grilling

Opt for purified charcoal to reduce the toxicity of smoke during combustion. It’s also best to keep a safe distance from BBQ smoke while pregnant, as exposure could lead to complications in fetal development.

What Can You Put on the Grill?

Whatever you like! As long as it’s well-cooked inside and out, there’s no reason to restrict yourself. Grilled chicken, salmon, sausages, or skewers with alternating meat and veggies are all great options!

Don’t Leave Food at Room Temperature Too Long

Make sure not to leave raw food sitting out for too long—especially in the sun! Ideally, food should not be left out for more than 10 minutes between taking it out of the fridge and placing it on the grill. Why? Because bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature.

A common mistake: Taking food out before the aperitif, then getting caught up in conversation while it sits out too long. To be safe, only take food out when you’re ready to cook!

Use Clean Utensils and Plates for Cooked Food

Once your food is fully cooked, don’t place it back on the same plate or cutting board that held it when it was raw. Use clean utensils and serving dishes to avoid contamination.

What About Cooking on a Plancha?

Absolutely! One advantage of cooking on a plancha while pregnant is that there’s no smoke from combustion. Plus, the cooking process is more even—but still, make sure your food is fully cooked before enjoying it!