Can I Eat Charcuterie During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Charcuterie often includes cured meats and soft cheeses that may contain Listeria, Toxoplasma, or Salmonella.
🔥 Risk Level: High if eaten cold or raw; risk can be reduced by cooking meats and using pasteurized cheeses.
✅ Safe Practices: Avoid cold cured meats and unpasteurized cheeses. Opt for fully cooked meats, hard pasteurized cheeses, and fresh fruits or veggies.
Charcuterie boards are visually stunning and delicious, with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and spreads. But if you're pregnant, it's important to know that traditional charcuterie ingredients come with some food safety risks.
While you don't have to avoid charcuterie entirely, careful selection and preparation are key to enjoying it safely during pregnancy.
Why Traditional Charcuterie Can Be Risky During Pregnancy
Charcuterie typically includes:
Cold cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo
Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and blue cheese
Pickled or smoked fish
Dips and spreads (some homemade or unpasteurized)
Many of these items can harbor Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that is particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. Because immune systems are altered during pregnancy, it is harder for pregnant women to fight off infections.
FDA – Listeria & Pregnancy
Consuming even a small amount of contaminated food can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or serious newborn infections.
Specific Charcuterie Items to Watch Out For
⚠️ Cold Cured Meats
Includes prosciutto, salami, pancetta, and speck. These are often not cooked, and while salt-curing and aging preserve flavor, they don't kill all harmful bacteria.
✅ Safe If: Cooked until steaming hot
⚠️ Soft Cheeses
Brie, camembert, goat cheese, blue cheese, and queso fresco may be made with unpasteurized milk.
✅ Safe If: Clearly labeled pasteurized
⚠️ Smoked or Cured Fish
Items like smoked salmon can carry Listeria when served cold.
✅ Safe If: Cooked or heated before serving
How to Make a Pregnancy-Safe Charcuterie Board
You can still enjoy the charcuterie experience with a few simple swaps:
✅ Safe Meat Alternatives:
Cooked chicken breast or turkey slices (served warm)
Baked prosciutto or pancetta
Turkey pepperoni or fully cooked meat options
✅ Safe Cheese Choices:
Pasteurized hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, parmesan
Pasteurized soft cheeses (check the label carefully)
✅ Pregnancy-Friendly Additions:
Fresh fruits (grapes, apple slices, figs)
Raw veggies (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)
Nuts and seeds
Whole-grain crackers or baguette slices
Hummus or pasteurized dips
Tips for Serving Charcuterie Safely
Do not leave meats or cheeses out for more than 2 hours
Wash all fruits, veggies, and serving utensils thoroughly
Avoid homemade dips unless you’re sure ingredients are safe
Conclusion: Enjoy the Charcuterie Vibe—Safely
While traditional charcuterie boards can pose risks during pregnancy, you don’t have to skip the experience entirely. Focus on fully cooked meats, pasteurized cheeses, and fresh produce to build a pregnancy-safe version that’s just as beautiful—and far safer.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
References:
https://www.fda.gov/food/health-educators/listeria-food-safety-moms-be
