Can you eat deli meat while pregnant?
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeria — and cold cuts are a classic source.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
Cold deli meats, hot dogs and cold cured meats can carry listeria, which grows even in the fridge. Eat them heated until steaming hot, or choose freshly cooked meat instead.
Why it matters
Listeria is a bacterium that, unlike most, keeps multiplying at fridge temperature. It is rare, but pregnant people are around ten times more likely to be infected than the general population.
Listeriosis may feel like mild flu to the mother, yet it can cross the placenta and cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labour or serious infection in the newborn.
Sliced deli meats (ham, turkey, roast beef), hot dogs and refrigerated meat spreads are among the foods most often linked to listeria. Cold cured meats such as salami, chorizo and prosciutto aren’t cooked, so they can also carry toxoplasma parasites.
What to do
- Heat deli meats and hot dogs until steaming hot (74°C / 165°F) — a toastie or pizza topping works.
- Cook cold cured meats like salami, chorizo and prosciutto until steaming hot.
- UK advice: pre-cooked cold meats like ham are OK if kept chilled and eaten before the use-by date.
- Eat freshly cooked meats instead of pre-packed sliced meat when you can.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling deli meat packaging.
Common questions
Is pepperoni on pizza safe in pregnancy?
Yes — pepperoni and salami cooked on a pizza until hot are considered safe, because cooking kills listeria and parasites.
What should I do if I ate cold deli meat?
The chance of infection is low. Watch for fever, aches or flu-like symptoms over the following weeks (listeria can take up to 70 days to show) and tell your doctor or midwife if they appear.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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