Rare steak

[ellieb31]

I LOVE rare meat and have missed it since becoming pregnant. But I was just reading the NHS pregnancy book that they give you at the booking in appointment and it says:-

'It is fine to eat steaks and other whole cuts of beef and lamb rare, as long as the outside has been properly cooked or sealed.'

I really want to believe them and get the steaks in this weekend but it seems as though this advice contradicts everything else that I have read on the subject. What do you lot think???

 

[Janeysaney]

Sorry but I dont have an answer, but I read that exact sentence and thought how strange?! I really dont know if its okay or not okay to eat. Hope someone can help you!

 

[JaniceT]

Hi dear, hope you've been doing well!

This is the very first time I've heard that semi-raw meat is allowed? I wouldn't risk it though. Raw meat, even though fresh, may have very miniscule bacteria/worms in them that need to be killed through heat. Searing the outside doesn't produce enough heat to kill the germs inside.

Hang in there

 

[debgreasby]

I wouldn't risk it

 

[mislaww]

Yeah - go for medium at the rarest. That's what the Canadian health people tell me anyway. We stick a thermometer in all my meat. Apparently, "properly cooked" means "shoe leather". Gross, but worth it.

 

[JaniceT]

Agree LOL I had steak last night and ordered it well-done. Definitely needed me to chew it much longer! Took forever to finish that piece.

 

[BoLt_InFeRnO]

Hya, popped over from 3rd tri, being nosey

You can have medium rare steak. Because the middle would have reached a heat of over 70 degrees. I've eaten it like this since I found out I was pregnant, because I craved steak.

I researched this a lot before eating, but its your choice in the end x x

 

[Gen79]

I knew there was something up when everyone was talking about not having rare steak! I did a food service certificate once and there's nothing wrong with rare beef. The bacteria grows on the outside (ground beef has the outside throughout so needs to be cooked all the way through) but intact steak is fine as long as its cooked on the outside.

But yes, it all depends on what you're comfortable with.

 

[ellieb31]

Thanks very much for the advice ladies.

I've sent my MW a message to see what she has to say about it as well just because it contradicts every bit of advice I've ever read about bloody steak. I'm inclined to think that medium is probably the way to go because I'd rather not bother eating well done meat but my MW previously advised me to eat as much red meat as possible for the iron.

 

[laurenfreya]

If only i had known this before we went out for dinner last night!! I had chicken and my hubby had medium steak i wanted it so bad!!! So i take it then its okay to have a joint of beef that is slightly pink in the middle? Im going to a carvery place tonight and i dont like turkey and do not want to have chicken again! It has to be beef lol!! Although if no pinkness is aloud i'll go veggie for the night

 

[libbymarks198]

i wouldnt risk it, but i like my steak well done anyway..

good luck

xx

 

[crazy mummy]

its because the outside of the steak is the only bit that is touched by knives, work surfaces, hands etc so theoretically no bacteria has been introduced, a joint of beef however is usually rolled so you need to be more careful with the likes of a Sunday roast, hope this helps xx
I just wanted to add obviously take your midwifes advise and its your choice at the end of the day

 

[Amygdala]

I *think* you still need to be careful. Searing the outside takes care of your usual bacteria (although good point about roasts having the outside rolled up in the middle). BUT only cooking it right the way through eliminates the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis , which can harm your unborn baby. I wouldn't risk it personally, unless you know you're immune to toxo.