Concerns about food safety during pregnancy lead many individuals to scrutinize every ingredient, and the popular everything bagel is no exception. This common breakfast item, covered in a mix of seeds and spices, prompts questions about its safety for both the mother and the developing fetus. A pregnant person’s immune system is naturally modulated, making them more susceptible to certain foodborne illnesses. Understanding the specific components of the everything bagel, from its seasoning mix to common additions, can help clarify the real risks.
Examining the Primary Concern: Poppy Seeds
The primary concern with the everything bagel is the poppy seed, which contains trace amounts of opiate alkaloids like morphine and codeine. These compounds are a natural byproduct of the Papaver somniferum plant. The small quantity of opiates present is not enough to cause psychoactive effects or pose a direct safety risk to the fetus.
The primary issue is the potential for these trace amounts to cause a false positive result on a maternal drug screening. Following consumption, opiate metabolites can appear in urine tests, leading to presumptive positive results. While confirmatory testing can distinguish the source, the initial result can create significant stress and potential legal complications. Research shows that codeine levels in urine can exceed the typical screening threshold of 300 nanograms per milliliter for several hours.
For individuals subject to routine drug testing, particularly near delivery, it is prudent to avoid all poppy seed-containing foods. To minimize the risk, one option is to brush off the seeds before eating. Alternatively, the risk can be eliminated by choosing a bagel without poppy seeds or by asking for a confirmatory drug test if a presumptive positive result occurs.
Safety of the Remaining Seasoning Mix
Beyond the poppy seeds, the rest of the standard “everything” seasoning blend is safe for consumption during pregnancy. The mix typically contains sesame seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes, and coarse salt. Sesame seeds are a good source of fiber, calcium, and iron, and are safe in the small quantities found on a bagel.
Concerns about sesame seeds stimulating uterine contractions are based on traditional, unproven beliefs and are not supported by scientific evidence for the amounts consumed. The dried flakes of garlic and onion are safe when consumed in typical culinary quantities. While consuming massive amounts of garlic supplements has been linked to a theoretical increased bleeding risk, the trace amounts on a bagel pose no danger. The primary risk from the remaining mix is the sodium content from the salt, which should be monitored if a person has high blood pressure.
Associated Risks from Spreads and Preparation
The most substantial food safety risks associated with eating a bagel come from the spreads and toppings. The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes is a serious concern for pregnant individuals due to a weakened immune response. Listeriosis may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in the newborn. This organism can grow even in refrigerator temperatures, making ready-to-eat foods a risk.
Cream cheese is a common topping that must be pasteurized to avoid the risk of Listeria contamination; nearly all commercially sold cream cheese in the United States uses pasteurized milk. Unheated smoked salmon (lox) carries a high risk of Listeria and should be avoided unless cooked to 165°F (74°C). Deli meats added to a bagel should also be heated until steaming hot to eliminate bacteria. Cross-contamination is a risk at deli counters, so ensuring proper hygiene and correct storage is an important precaution.