Can you eat cold hot dogs?

In this short article, we will provide an answer to the question, “Can you eat cold hot dogs?”. Moreover, we will discuss how to safely consume hot dogs, the dangers of eating cold hot dogs, and how to safely store hot dogs.

Can you eat cold hot dogs? 

The answer to this question is somewhat mixed. So many different types of hot dogs are known. Some of them are cooked already, while others require to be cooked before consumption. That means, some hot dogs can be consumed cold, while others can not. 

How to know if a hot dog can be consumed cold?

Check the description

The best way to have an idea if a hot dog can be consumed cold is by checking the description of the packet they are sold in. If the label states that the hot dogs are fully cooked, they are good to eat cold.

The package description will also give you helpful information for other factors, for instance, secure handling, cooking directions, and the ingredients and nutritional composition. 

Despite the fact that the hot dogs are fully or partially cooked, or even raw, they require to be kept cold in the refrigerator.

If the package description says the hot dogs are partly cooked or raw, they should not be consumed cold. That is due to the potential presence of bacteria and other microorganisms that could lead to food poisoning and other diseases. These should always be cooked well before eating and be consumed right after cooking.

Dangers of consuming cold hot dogs 

Listeria is one of the major threats when eating cold hot dogs. If a person consumes food infected with listeria, they can suffer from food poisoning.

People with good health, when exposed to listeria, will feel unwell for some days, but the infection can be severe and even lethal particularly for pregnant women, infants and older adults.

Listeria can rapidly multiply at colder temperatures, such as in a fridge. It is commonly found in hot dogs, which has not been prepared well. For this reason, many people prefer to cook their hot dogs, rather than eating cold. 

The common symptoms of listeriosis include: 

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Fevers
  • Achy muscles

Types of hot dogs 

Hot dogs can be made from red meat, for instance, beef, pork, or lamb, or made from poultry including turkey and chicken. 

Hot dogs that are sold as ready-to-use are can be dry, semi-dry, cooked, smoked, or unsmoked. 

Semi-dry hot dogs are thoroughly cooked as they are heated in the meat-house, and then partly dried. Cooked hot dogs are completely cooked before packaging and can also be smoked.

To prevent food poisoning, all uncooked hot dogs which contain ground beef, lamb, pork or veal should be cooked to 160℉. Those which contain ground chicken or turkey should be cooked to 165℉.

Which hot dogs you can eat cold

Hot dogs that are cooked or smoked can be eaten cold unless stated on the label. These are formed of one or more types of minced meats that have been seasoned and smoked.

These hot dogs are generally seen in the deli division and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week before being consumed, but again, it is necessary to check the label for secure handling and storage.

Which hot dogs should be cooked

Fresh hot dogs should be cooked before being consumed. These hot dogs are made from meat products that have been finely cut and can contain different meat by-products for instance hearts, kidneys or livers.

Fresh hot dogs are often seasoned and may contain adhesives to keep them in form. These hot dogs need to be kept properly refrigerated and cooked well before consuming.

How to store hot dogs

Fresh uncooked hot dogs – These hot dogs can remain in the fridge packed or unpacked for a maximum of two days and can be stored in the freezer for two months.

Fresh hot dogs after home cooking – Hot dogs that are prepared at home can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Dry hot dogs– Dry hot dogs can be stored for up to six weeks in the fridge, and three weeks after being unpacked. They can be kept in the fridge for two months.

Hot dogs (cooked hot dogs) – Cooked hot dogs can be stored in the refrigerator packed for a maximum of two weeks. Once unpacked, the hot dogs should be used in seven days, and can be kept in the freezer for up to two months.

Semi-dry hot dogs– Semi-dry hot dogs can last up to three months packed in the refrigerator, and three weeks after unpacking. They can be kept in a freezer for up to two months.

Conclusion

In this short article, we have provided an answer to the question, “Can you eat cold hot dogs?”. Moreover, we have discussed how to safely consume hot dogs, the dangers of eating cold hot dogs, and how to safely store hot dogs.

References 

https://www.foodsafety.com.au/blog/safe-consumption-of-hot-dogs-what-consumers-need-to-know
https://answerstoall.com/language/is-it-safe-to-eat-cold-hot-dogs/

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