Can I Eat Pastrami During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Pastrami is a deli meat, which can carry Listeria monocytogenes, especially when eaten cold.
🔥 Risk Level: High — Pastrami is not considered safe cold during pregnancy unless heated until steaming hot.
✅ Safe Practices: Heat pastrami to 165°F (74°C) before eating. Avoid cold sandwiches or deli platters unless the meat is reheated.
Pastrami is a flavorful, smoky deli meat often featured in classic hot sandwiches and deli platters. But during pregnancy, it’s important to think beyond taste and consider food safety—especially when it comes to ready-to-eat meats like pastrami.
Here’s what you need to know about pastrami during pregnancy, how to reduce risk, and what to enjoy instead.
Why Pastrami Can Be Risky in Pregnancy
Pastrami is typically brined, smoked, and steamed, and served as a cold cut or hot sandwich filling. While it’s cooked during preparation, it can still be contaminated after processing or during storage—especially when served cold.
The primary concern is Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can grow even in refrigerated foods.
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
Risks of listeriosis during pregnancy include:
Miscarriage
Stillbirth
Premature delivery
Infection in newborns
Is Any Pastrami Safe to Eat While Pregnant?
Yes—if it’s reheated until steaming hot.
Although pastrami is already cooked during preparation, the CDC and FDA recommend that all deli meats, including pastrami, be reheated to 165°F (74°C) before consumption during pregnancy. This kills any bacteria that may have been introduced after cooking.
✅ Safer ways to enjoy pastrami:
Heated in a pan or microwave until steaming
Baked into a sandwich or wrap
Added to a hot dish like a casserole or grilled melt
Avoid These Forms of Pastrami During Pregnancy
Skip any version of pastrami that hasn’t been reheated, such as:
Cold pastrami sandwiches from delis or cafés
Deli trays or charcuterie boards
Leftover pastrami that hasn’t been reheated fully
When eating out, always ask if the meat has been heated to a safe temperature.
Nutritional Benefits of Pastrami (When Prepared Safely)
Pastrami can provide:
Protein – supporting muscle and tissue growth
Iron – important for preventing anemia in pregnancy
Zinc and B vitamins
However, it can also be high in sodium and preservatives, so it's best enjoyed occasionally and in moderation.
Conclusion: Heat Pastrami Before Eating It During Pregnancy
Pastrami can be safely enjoyed during pregnancy—but only if it’s heated until steaming. Skip cold deli slices and opt for warm, toasted sandwiches or cooked dishes to reduce the risk of listeriosis. A few extra minutes of reheating can help protect both you and your baby.
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
