Can I Eat Prosciutto During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Prosciutto is a dry-cured, uncooked meat, which may contain Listeria, Toxoplasma, or other harmful bacteria.
🔥 Risk Level: High if eaten cold or raw. Risk is reduced if cooked until steaming hot.
✅ Safe Practices: Only eat prosciutto that has been thoroughly cooked (e.g., baked on pizza, grilled in a sandwich).
Prosciutto is prized for its delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture—but if you're pregnant, it may not be the safest choice. Because it’s dry-cured and not cooked, prosciutto can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that your immune system is less equipped to handle during pregnancy.
The good news? You don’t have to say goodbye to prosciutto completely. With a few precautions, it can still be part of your diet—safely.
Why Cold Prosciutto Is Risky During Pregnancy
Prosciutto is made by salting and air-drying pork for many months. While this traditional method preserves the meat and enhances its flavor, it does not kill all bacteria or parasites.
The biggest concerns include:
Listeria monocytogenes
Toxoplasma gondii
Salmonella
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
Health Risks of Eating Cold-Cured Meats Like Prosciutto
Because prosciutto is served cold and uncooked, it has been linked to listeriosis outbreaks. Listeriosis and toxoplasmosis can lead to:
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Premature delivery
Serious infections in newborns
Illness in the mother
Even prosciutto stored in the refrigerator may carry risk, as Listeria can grow at low temperatures.
Can You Eat Cooked Prosciutto While Pregnant?
Yes—if it’s thoroughly heated until steaming hot.
✅ Safe ways to eat prosciutto:
Baked on top of pizza
Cooked into pasta dishes or quiche
Wrapped around vegetables or meats and roasted
Heating prosciutto to a high internal temperature kills pathogens and makes it safe to enjoy.
Avoid These Prosciutto Risks
⚠️ Avoid eating:
Cold prosciutto in charcuterie boards
Uncooked prosciutto in sandwiches or wraps
Room-temp prosciutto from buffets or deli counters
When in doubt, skip it or heat it thoroughly before consuming.
Safer Alternatives to Prosciutto
If you're looking for a similar salty, savory flavor, consider:
Cooked turkey or ham slices
Grilled chicken breast
Baked pancetta
Pasteurized cheeses with savory or umami notes
These swaps offer flavor and protein with a lower food safety risk.
Conclusion: Skip Cold Prosciutto—Cook It to Be Safe
While prosciutto is a delicious treat, its raw, cured preparation makes it unsafe to eat cold during pregnancy. To minimize risk, only enjoy prosciutto that has been thoroughly cooked. With a few tweaks, you can still enjoy its rich flavor—safely.
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
