Why You Should Heat Up Canned Vienna Sausages Before Eating Them

Vienna sausages can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, or used in a variety of recipes. Pigs in a blanket is one of the more common recipes, often enjoyed as an appetizer at a party. They can also be wrapped in bacon, sliced up for a casserole, or rolled up in a breakfast burrito.

The miniature sausages are typically made from a blend of meats — often pork, beef, and chicken — and canned varieties are preserved in chicken broth for maximum flavor retention. These sausages are pre-cooked before being canned — much like hot dogs are before being packaged. And, since the sausages come preserved in each can, they can be stored for a while before the expiration date.

Although some Vienna sausage cans boast that the products are ready-to-eat directly out of the can, it may be better to heat them up to prevent any foodborne illness risks. Plus, your food will taste better cooked, too.

There are a few different reasons the sausages should be heated before consumption. For one thing, cooking or grilling the sausages prior to eating them can help elevate the flavor by adding a fresh-cooked or slightly smoky taste. 

Vienna sausages are pre-cooked before they are canned, minimizing the risk of any harmful bacteria. However, the risk is always present: One harmful bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, is known to contaminate pre-cooked meats, and can even grow in fridge-temperature conditions (via the FDA). It is commonly found in meats made from asymptomatic animals carrying the bacteria.

If your Vienna sausages are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, you could contract listeriosis. Symptoms include fevers, headaches, chills, an upset stomach, and worse. The best way to prevent this is to thoroughly cook all meats before consumption. While canned foods are typically safe to eat as-is since they've been pre-cooked, the extra cooking time could make a difference when it comes to preventing illness.

The best way to prevent contracting listeriosis is to make sure your Vienna sausages are thoroughly heated before you eat them, per the FDA. You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit (via CDC). Additionally, your sausages should be steaming once they have been fully cooked. Heating your sausages sufficiently will kill any listeria bacteria that may be present.

While Vienna sausages are cooked before being canned in manufacturing facilities, listeria contamination can occur after cooking if the food comes in contact with the bacteria before canning. Though the risk of illness might be small, it may be better to play it safe and always heat up your canned Vienna sausages before eating.

So the next time you crack open a can of Vienna sausages, consider tossing them on the grill or frying them up in a pan before digging in.