Expert warns: Never eat hot dogs cold due to health risks
Hot dogs are a popular choice often found in our fridges because they make for a quick breakfast or dinner. However, it's important to check the ingredients of these sausages and ensure they are prepared properly. An expert explains why it's better not to eat them cold.
All hot dogs might look similar, and their packaging doesn't differ much either, but the ingredients can vary significantly. On store shelves, you'll find high-quality products made primarily of meat and spices, but also those loaded with chemical additives and preservatives. Therefore, before purchasing hot dogs, be sure to read the label for their ingredients.
How to choose hot dogs? Look for this on the label
An important indicator is the price. Good quality products are usually not the cheapest. A low price often means poor ingredients. Hot dogs should contain mostly meat, at least 90%. It’s better to avoid products that include mechanically separated meat (MSM), preservatives, and artificial flavor enhancers. The shorter the list of ingredients, the better, as these hot dogs will be tastier and healthier.
Important! Even if you choose hot dogs with good ingredients, remember they are still a highly processed product. It's best to consume them occasionally rather than making them a permanent part of your diet.
Can you eat cold hot dogs?
Proper preparation of hot dogs is crucial. It might seem very simple, and many people think there's no need to heat them—just take them out of the package and remove the foil. However, nutrition experts strongly advise against this approach.
In the comments under the nutritionist’s post, a heated discussion ensued. Some pointed out that referencing American standards might not be relevant to European food regulations. However, Jedrej remained firm, stating she does not recommend eating cold hot dogs to anyone.
Why is it better to heat up hot dogs?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that naturally occurs in environments such as soil and water. It can also be found in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and can contaminate food, especially meat products like hot dogs, pâtés, or sausages.
This is why the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends heating up hot dogs. This is especially important for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and the elderly, as they are more at risk of developing listeriosis. In these groups, the disease may have a more severe course.
