Can I Eat Cured Meat During Pregnancy?

Jul 30

At a Glance:

⚠️ Concern: Cured meats like salami, prosciutto, chorizo, and jamón are not cooked, which means they may harbor Listeria, Toxoplasma, or other pathogens.
🔥 Risk Level: High Risk if eaten cold or uncooked. Risk is reduced if the meat is heated until steaming or cooked into dishes.
✅ Safe Practices: Avoid cold or dry-cured meats. Only eat cured meats that are thoroughly heated or included in cooked recipes.

Cured meats are flavorful, protein-rich, and commonly featured in antipasto platters, charcuterie boards, and sandwiches. But during pregnancy, eating cured meats comes with safety concerns due to the way they are prepared.

Since curing is not the same as cooking, cured meats can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, which can be especially dangerous during pregnancy.

Why Cured Meats Can Be Risky for Pregnant Individuals

Curing preserves meat through salt, air-drying, and fermentation. This process does not reliably eliminate harmful pathogens. As a result, cured meats can potentially carry:

Listeria monocytogenes
Toxoplasma gondii
Salmonella
E. coli

These bacteria and parasites can cause severe foodborne illness, and in pregnancy, they present an even greater risk.

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.
Source: FDA

Examples of Common Cured Meats

Cured meats come in many forms. Here are some examples commonly eaten cold:

Salami
Prosciutto
Jamón serrano or ibérico
Chorizo (dry-cured)
Pancetta
Coppa
Bresaola

All of these fall into the category of meats that are preserved but not cooked, and thus should be avoided unless properly heated during pregnancy.

Health Risks of Consuming Cured Meat Cold

Cured meats that haven’t been cooked or reheated can lead to:

Miscarriage or stillbirth
Premature labor
Neonatal infections
Severe illness in the mother

Listeria can grow even at refrigerator temperatures, making chilled or room-temp cured meats especially risky.

How to Safely Enjoy Cured Meats While Pregnant

The safest way to eat cured meats during pregnancy is to heat them until steaming. This ensures that harmful bacteria and parasites are killed before consumption.

Safe ways to enjoy:

🔥 Baked prosciutto on a pizza
🍝 Cooked chorizo in pasta or rice dishes
🥪 Heated deli-style sandwiches
🧀 Warm appetizers with cooked pancetta or salami

Avoid eating them cold, such as in sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards.

Conclusion: Only Eat Cured Meats That Are Heated

Cured meats may seem convenient and tasty, but they can carry dangerous bacteria when eaten cold or raw. During pregnancy, it’s important to play it safe and enjoy these meats only when thoroughly cooked or heated.

If you're unsure whether a meat has been cooked, it's better to avoid it or ask for clarification—your safety and your baby’s health come first.

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.

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