Can I eat deli meat while pregnant?
CHECK FIRSTMain risk: Listeria
Only when heated until steaming hot. Cold cuts and lunch meats can carry listeria, which keeps growing in the fridge.
Why
- Sliced turkey, ham, roast beef and bologna are ready-to-eat foods without a final cooking step.
How to eat it safely
- Heat deli meat until steaming (about 74 °C / 165 °F), e.g. in a toasted sandwich.
- Pre-packed cooked meats are lower risk than deli-counter slices.
Safer alternatives
- Freshly cooked chicken
- Hard-boiled egg
- Hummus
Frequently asked
Can I eat a Subway sandwich while pregnant?
Ask for the meat to be toasted until hot, or choose a vegetarian option.
Is ham safe during pregnancy?
Cooked ham is lower risk; US guidance still advises heating it until steaming.
Checking a specific product or meal?
Get a personal answer for your trimester and any other allergies or conditions.
Check deli meat for meGeneral information based on public health guidance (NHS, FDA, ACOG), not medical advice. Always consult your midwife or doctor.