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We bet you've eaten raw hot dog sausages straight from the fridge or tossed them in a summer salad at least once. But there's a serious reason why the label says "best after cooking." Let us tell you about Listeria monocytogenes: a bacterium that can survive even in the fridge and is especially dangerous for small children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
This isn't to say that hot dog sausages are to be demonized: there are also high-quality artisanal versions, made with excellent raw materials. But there's a simple rule to remember: they should always be eaten after cooking.
What Are Hot Dog Sausages?
Hot Dog Sausages are cooked sausages, typical of German tradition, usually made with pork, beef, or chicken, finely minced and mixed with spices. After being stuffed, they are pasteurized or smoked and sold as "pre-cooked," but this doesn't mean they are ready to eat. In fact, the packaging will state "cooked before consumption." This recommendation is not a "safety statement." There's a reason for it.
Why Not Eat Raw Hot Dog Sausages?
Hot Dog Sausages, even pre-cooked and often stored in a modified atmosphere, remain perishable and can contain various bacteria, the most worrying of which is Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can survive at low temperatures, including in the refrigerator, and multiplies in the right conditions. It's no coincidence that sausages are among the risky foods listed by the Ministry of Health.
Categories That Need to Pay Particular Attention
In healthy individuals, the problem often doesn't manifest itself, which is why many will say: "I've always eaten them and nothing has ever happened to me." However, if you belong to one of these categories:
- Pregnant women
- Small children
- Elderly people
- Immunocompromised people
The risk of infection becomes serious. Listeriosis can lead to serious consequences, such as high fever, diarrhea, sepsis… and during pregnancy it can cause serious complications for the fetus. But even if you're a healthy person, don't underestimate the risks; it only takes a moment to find yourself with food poisoning.
Eat Cooked Hot Dog Sausages
The solution to avoiding food poisoning is simple: cook the sausages. It only takes a few minutes to make a sausage safe:
- In the pan
- In the microwave
- In hot water
Nutritional Profile of Hot Dog Sausages
But let's also take a look at the nutritional profile of hot dog sausages. They're not exactly the best way to consume meat: we're still talking about processed meats, which should only be included in your diet occasionally.
So, rice salad with hot dog sausages is fine, but try to alternate it with other more balanced protein sources such as legumes, fish, fresh cheeses or less processed cuts of meat.
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