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Making safe food choices when your immune system is weaker
M
Making safe food choices when your immune system is weaker
Making safe food choices when your immune system is weaker
English
Transplant;Nephrology
Teen (13-18 years)
Kidneys
Renal system/Urinary system
Procedures;Conditions and diseases
Teen (13-18 years)
NA
2017-11-30T05:00:00Z
0
0
0
Flat Content
Health A-Z
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Making safe food choices when your immune system is weaker
2734.00000000000
Making safe food choices when your immune system is weaker
Making safe food choices when your immune system is weaker
M
English
Transplant;Nephrology
Teen (13-18 years)
Kidneys
Renal system/Urinary system
Procedures;Conditions and diseases
Teen (13-18 years)
NA
2017-11-30T05:00:00Z
0
0
0
Flat Content
Health A-Z
<figure> <img alt="Burger and fries" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/TTC_Trans_S2_5-1_PBR.jpg" /> </figure> <p>Some foods can be a higher risk for people with a weakened immune system because of:</p><ul><li>how the foods are produced</li><li>where the foods are stored</li><li>how long the foods are stored.<br></li></ul><p>Replacing risky foods with safer alternatives will help you minimize your chances of contracting a foodborne illness.</p><table class="akh-table"><thead><tr><th>Types of food</th><th>Food to avoid</th><th>Safer alternatives</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Deli meats</td><td>Non-dried deli meats such as bologna, roast beef and turkey breast</td><td><ul><li>Dried and salted deli meats such as salami* and pepperoni*</li><li>Non-dried deli meats heated throughout to steaming hot</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Dairy products</td><td>Raw or unpasteurized dairy products, including soft and semi-soft cheese such as Brie, Camembert and blue-veined cheese</td><td><ul><li>Pasteurized dairy products</li><li>Hard cheeses such as Colby, cheddar, Swiss and parmesan</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Hot dogs</td><td>Hot dogs straight from the package without further heating</td><td><ul><li>Hot dogs* thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature (the middle of the hot dog should be steaming hot or 74⁰C (165⁰F))</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Pâtés and meat spreads</td><td>Refrigerated pates and meat spreads</td><td><ul><li>Pates and meat spreads sold in cans or those that don’t need to be refrigerated until after they’re opened</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Eggs and egg products</td><td>Raw or lightly cooked eggs or egg products, including salad dressings, cookie dough or cake batter, sauces and drinks such as homemade eggnog</td><td><ul><li>Egg dishes thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature</li></ul> <em>Eggs should be cooked until the yolk is firm. <br>Homemade eggnog must be heated to </em>71⁰C (160⁰F). </td></tr><tr><td>Seafood</td><td>Raw oysters, clams and mussels</td><td><ul><li>Shell fish cooked until the shell has opened</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Raw seafood such as sushi</td><td><ul><li>Seafood cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74⁰C (165⁰F)</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Refrigerated smoked seafood</td><td><ul><li>Canned smoked seafood* that does not need to be refrigerated until after the can is opened</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Meat and poultry</td><td>Raw or undercooked meat or poultry such as steak tartare</td><td><ul><li>Meat and poultry cooked to a safe internal temperature</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Fruit juice and cider</td><td>Unpasteurized fruit juice and cider</td><td><ul><li>Pasteurized fruit juice (avoid grapefruit juice) and cider</li><li>Unpasteurized fruit juice and cider brought to a rolling boil and cooled</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Sprouts</td><td>Raw sprouts such as alfalfa, clover radish and mung beans</td><td><ul><li>Thoroughly cooked sprouts<br></li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Honey</td><td>Raw or unpasteurized honey</td><td><ul><li>Pasteurized honey</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p>*Many of these foods are high in sodium, fat and calories and are not always a more nutritious choice. Speak to the dietitian on your transplant team about choosing <em>healthy</em> safe alternatives.<br></p><h2>References</h2><p>Canadian Food Inspection Agency & Health Canada, 2010.<em> </em><a target="_blank" href="http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/eating-nutrition/safety-salubrite/immune-immunitaire-eng.php"><em>Safe Food Handling for People with Weakened Immune Systems</em></a>. Health Canada: Ottawa<br></p>