Fish

From measurements taken at the beginning of 2007, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority concluded that the listeria bacteria is present in 3% of the cases in prepackaged smoked fish.

Infection with the listeria bacteria in pregnancy usually has no consequences, but occasionally it can cause a miscarriage or premature birth. That is why the NVWA advises pregnant women not to eat these prepackaged smoked fish (such as salmon, eel, herring, and mackerel) cold. It is possible to eat the fish after you have heated it to at least 85 degrees Celsius. This kills the listeria bacteria. That way, you can eat this fish in a casserole or warm sauce, for example.

Oily fish is good for the brain development of your unborn child. So don't be put off by these messages and keep eating fish. You can continue to eat fresh fish from the fishmonger, and if you heat the prepackaged smoked fish first, you can also eat it normally.