Pregnancy food guidance
Steak
Depends—Cook temperature matters
Cook whole cuts of beef to at least 145°F and let them rest for three minutes.
What changes the answer for Steak
- Use a food thermometer rather than color alone.
- Raw or very undercooked meat: avoid.
- Ground or mechanically tenderized beef needs different handling.
Why it matters for Steak
Undercooked meat can carry harmful germs and may expose someone to Toxoplasma.
Practical takeaway
Ask for a measured safe internal temperature.
Evidence interpretation
Emily Oster’s perspective on Steak
Oster agrees that avoiding raw or very undercooked meat is a meaningful way to reduce toxoplasmosis exposure.
Read the ParentData analysis (opens in a new tab)Sources and review details
- Review status
- Source reviewed
- Last reviewed
- Guidance region
- United States