Risk of Bacterial Infection from Cold Hot Dogs

Primary Bacterial Concern: Listeria monocytogenes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that immunosuppressed persons, including those with HIV infection, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and individuals on long-term immunosuppressive therapy, should cook leftover foods or ready-to-eat foods, including hot dogs, until steaming hot before eating to eliminate the risk of listeriosis 1, 2, 3
The main bacterial threat from cold hot dogs is Listeria monocytogenes, which can survive and multiply at refrigeration temperatures, and the CDC, NIH, and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines recommend reheating hot dogs until steaming hot before consumption 1, 2, 3

The CDC recommends that all individuals, especially immunocompromised ones, should avoid eating hot dogs directly from the refrigerator without reheating, and reheat until internal temperature reaches steaming hot throughout 1, 2, 3
Pregnant women should follow the same precautions as immunocompromised individuals due to the risk of miscarriage from Listeria infection, as recommended by the Clinical Infectious Diseases guidelines 4

The CDC recommends that uncooked hot dogs and their juices should not come into contact with other foods to prevent cross-contamination, and hands, cutting boards, counters, knives, and utensils must be washed thoroughly after contact with uncooked hot dogs 2, 3, 5

The CDC recommends reheating hot dogs to an internal temperature where they are steaming hot throughout, approximately 165°F/74°C for red meats, and consuming immediately after reheating rather than allowing to cool and re-refrigerate 1, 2, 3, 5
The CDC also recommends microwaving hot dogs until steam is visibly rising from the product to ensure food safety 1, 2, 3