Can I Eat Meat Spread During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Risk of Listeria monocytogenes in refrigerated meat spreads or pâté; some contain raw liver or undercooked meats.
🔥 Risk Level: High for refrigerated meat spreads; Low for shelf-stable, canned, or fully cooked varieties.
✅ Safe Practices: Avoid all refrigerated meat spreads or pâtés unless heated until steaming. Opt for shelf-stable or canned options if made with cooked ingredients.
Meat spreads, including pâté, liverwurst, and deviled ham, are rich in flavor and often served as appetizers or sandwich fillings. But if you're pregnant, it’s important to be cautious about what’s in your spread—and how it’s stored. Here's everything you need to know about safely enjoying meat spreads while expecting.
Why Are Meat Spreads Risky During Pregnancy?
The primary concern with meat spreads during pregnancy is the risk of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can survive and grow in refrigerated foods. Listeriosis can lead to serious complications in pregnancy, including:
Miscarriage
Premature delivery
Stillbirth
Severe illness in newborns
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
Refrigerated meat spreads, especially those containing liver or organ meat, pose additional concerns due to high vitamin A content, which can be harmful in excess during pregnancy.
What Types of Meat Spreads Are Safer?
Not all meat spreads are off-limits during pregnancy. Here's how to tell the difference:
❌ Avoid:
Refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads (e.g., deli-case liver pâté, chicken liver mousse)
Homemade versions that include undercooked meat or unpasteurized ingredients
✅ Safer Options:
Canned or shelf-stable meat spreads (e.g., deviled ham or Vienna sausage spreads) that are labeled as shelf-stable and stored at room temperature
Heated refrigerated spreads — if brought to steaming hot (165°F / 74°C) before consumption
Vegetarian spreads without risky ingredients
Always check labels and heat when in doubt.
Nutritional Considerations
While meat spreads can be high in iron and protein, they may also contain:
High sodium levels
Saturated fat
Excessive vitamin A (particularly in liver-based pâtés)
Moderation is key—and consulting with your healthcare provider can help determine what’s safe for your specific nutritional needs.
Tips for Eating Meat Spreads Safely During Pregnancy
✅ Choose canned or shelf-stable meat spreads only
✅ Reheat refrigerated meat spreads until steaming hot before eating
✅ Limit consumption of liver-based spreads due to vitamin A
❌ Avoid all unheated refrigerated meat spreads
❌ Don’t assume all pâté is safe—check for cooking method and storage
Conclusion: Proceed With Caution and Choose Cooked Options
Meat spreads can be enjoyed safely during pregnancy—but only when properly stored and heated. Steer clear of anything refrigerated unless it’s reheated to steaming, and opt for shelf-stable or canned varieties when possible. As with many pregnancy foods, knowledge and caution can help you enjoy your favorite flavors without unnecessary risk.
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
