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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is deli meat safe during pregnancy?

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about deli meat during pregnancy?

  1. Deli-sliced meats are one of the top sources of Listeria outbreaks in the U.S., and health officials specifically flag them as a risk for pregnant women. 1
  2. Heat deli meat and hot dogs until they reach 165°F (74°C), or simply until steaming, before eating them during pregnancy. 2
  3. Pregnant women are about ten times more likely than other adults to develop a serious Listeria infection after exposure. 3
  4. Listeria can actually grow in the refrigerator, so even properly chilled cold cuts can build up bacteria over time. 2
  5. A Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, or a serious infection in the newborn. 3

Is deli meat safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. A Listeria infection in the first trimester has been linked to miscarriage. Stick to heated deli meat, or skip it for now.
  • Second trimester. Same rule applies: heat deli meat until steaming before you eat it. Listeria can cross the placenta at any stage, so stay consistent.
  • Third trimester. Late in pregnancy, a Listeria infection can cause stillbirth or preterm labor. Keep heating deli meat until it's steaming.

Frequently asked questions

Are shelf-stable canned meats safer?

Yes. Canned chicken, canned tuna, and other shelf-stable products are commercially sterile and don't carry the same Listeria risk as refrigerated deli slices.

What about a heated deli sandwich?

A pressed sandwich like a Cuban or panini works well, as long as the meat gets steaming hot all the way through. Just warming it to room temperature isn't enough.

Are dry-aged meats like prosciutto safe?

dry-aged meats like salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni can still carry Listeria and Toxoplasma. Heat them until steaming, or skip them during pregnancy.

I ate cold deli meat by accident. What do I do?

Try not to worry: most exposures don't lead to illness. Watch for fever, muscle aches, chills, or stomach symptoms for up to 8 weeks, and call your provider if any show up.

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References

  1. Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women: CDC Food Safety

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html

  2. About Listeria Infection

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/about/index.html

  3. Listeriosis and Pregnancy: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

    MotherToBaby · https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/listeriosis-pregnancy/

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.