Can I Eat Pancetta During Pregnancy?

Aug 15

At a Glance:

⚠️ Concern: Pancetta is often cured but not cooked, making it a potential source of Listeria, Toxoplasma, or Salmonella.
🔥 Risk Level: High when eaten raw or cold. Safe when cooked thoroughly until steaming hot.
✅ Safe Practices: Enjoy pancetta only when it’s cooked, such as in pastas, baked dishes, or pan-fried until crisp.

Pancetta, the Italian cousin of bacon, adds rich, salty flavor to everything from pasta dishes to salads. But during pregnancy, the way pancetta is prepared makes a big difference in whether it's safe to eat.

Because pancetta is typically salt-cured but not cooked, eating it cold or raw can increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially Listeria, which can be harmful during pregnancy. The good news is that pancetta can be safely enjoyed when thoroughly cooked.

Why Raw or Cold Pancetta Is Risky During Pregnancy

While pancetta is cured to preserve it, this process doesn't eliminate all pathogens. It’s often sold in thin slices, diced cubes, or rolls that are meant to be cooked—or sometimes eaten raw, especially in antipasti or charcuterie.

Potential risks from uncooked pancetta include:

Listeria monocytogenes
Toxoplasma gondii
Salmonella

These pathogens can lead to serious pregnancy complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and newborn infections.

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

Is Cooked Pancetta Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes—pancetta is safe to eat when it’s fully cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) or until steaming hot and crispy. Cooking kills the bacteria that may be present in the cured meat.

✅ Safe ways to enjoy pancetta:

Pan-fried until crispy and added to pasta or soups
Baked into quiches or casseroles
Sautéed with vegetables or grains
Rendered into sauces for carbonara or risotto

Avoid eating pancetta that’s been simply sliced and served cold without cooking.

Avoid These Uses of Pancetta While Pregnant

Unless cooked, the following uses of pancetta may be unsafe:

In charcuterie boards
Cold antipasti platters
Uncooked wraps or sandwiches
Added raw to salads or pizzas post-baking

When dining out, ask how the pancetta was prepared—if it’s not cooked, skip it.

Safer Alternatives for Pancetta Cravings

If you’re craving that salty, savory flavor, consider these safe substitutes:

Cooked turkey bacon or fully cooked bacon bits
Smoked tofu (for a plant-based option)
Roasted mushrooms with umami seasoning
Crispy cooked prosciutto (only when heated)

These provide similar taste and texture without the same food safety concerns.

Conclusion: Cook Pancetta Before Enjoying It During Pregnancy

Pancetta can still be part of your pregnancy meals—as long as it’s cooked thoroughly. Skip cold or raw preparations and enjoy pancetta crisped in a pan, baked into dishes, or stirred into hot pastas. That way, you can satisfy your cravings without putting your pregnancy at 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.fda.gov/food/health-educators/listeria-food-safety-moms-be