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Home / Pregnancy Food Safety / Is Steak (Rare) safe in pregnancy?

Is Steak (Rare) safe in pregnancy?

Verdict

! Yes, with conditions

Whole-cut steak medium-rare is generally safer than ground. Still — cook to 145F + 3 min rest.

Why

Whole muscle cuts have surface bacteria only; searing kills them. Ground meat distributes bacteria throughout, hence the 160F rule.

The specifics

If you must order rare, get whole cuts only. Better: medium (145F+).

Sources

FDA Meat Safety 2024

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