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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is smoked salmon safe during pregnancy?

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

What does the evidence say about smoked salmon during pregnancy?

  1. Refrigerated smoked seafood like lox and nova is on the CDC's avoid list for pregnancy because it can be contaminated with Listeria. 1
  2. Pâté and cold-smoked fish are common sources of Listeria because they're usually served cold, without a final cooking step to kill germs. 2
  3. 'Shelf-stable' smoked seafood, in pouches or cans that don't need refrigeration before opening, has been processed at temperatures that kill Listeria, so it's considered fine. 3
  4. A Listeria infection in the mother can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, or a serious infection in the newborn. 4
  5. Salmon is one of the FDA's 'Best Choices' for mercury, so cooked salmon is still a great protein source in pregnancy when prepared safely. 5

Is smoked salmon safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. Same guidance in every trimester. A Listeria infection in the first trimester has been linked to miscarriage.
  • Second trimester. Keep avoiding refrigerated cold-smoked products. Shelf-stable, sealed packages of smoked salmon are considered fine.
  • Third trimester. Keep avoiding it. A Listeria infection late in pregnancy is a documented cause of stillbirth and preterm labor.

Frequently asked questions

What about smoked salmon in a hot dish, like pasta or a bake?

Cooking smoked salmon into a dish that reaches 165°F (74°C) all the way through kills off the Listeria concern. A cream-and-lox pasta reheated until steaming is a common way to still enjoy it.

Are canned salmon and canned tuna safer?

Yes. Commercially canned or shelf-stable products are heat-processed and don't carry the same Listeria risk as refrigerated lox. Just watch mercury levels on the tuna side.

Is hot-smoked salmon (like some kippers or 'kiln-roasted' salmon) safe?

Products that have been fully hot-smoked to a safe internal temperature are generally fine. Check the label, and if you're unsure, handle it like cold-smoked salmon and reheat before eating.

I had lox at brunch by accident. What now?

One accidental exposure usually doesn't cause illness. Watch for fever, muscle aches, or stomach symptoms for up to eight weeks, and call your provider if anything develops.

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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. How Listeria Spread: Pâté and Cold-Smoked Fish (CDC)

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/causes/meat-fish.html

  3. About Listeria Infection

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

  4. Listeriosis and Pregnancy: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

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

  5. Advice about Eating Fish: FDA

    FDA · https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish

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.