Can You Eat Cured Meat When Breastfeeding?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes. Cured Meat is fine while breastfeeding. The pregnancy warning about cured, uncooked meat was about toxoplasmosis in pregnancy.
What the guidance says
Cured and fermented meats are not cooked, which is why they were restricted in pregnancy: toxoplasmosis can harm an unborn baby. Once the baby is born, the rule ends. They are salty, so enjoy them as part of a varied diet.
You can also check the calorie content of cured meat alongside its safety information.
Same answer as deli meat, with the toxoplasmosis detail
Cured, uncooked meats (salami, chorizo, pepperoni, prosciutto-style hams, bresaola) are singled out in pregnancy for a specific reason: they are not cooked, and toxoplasma parasites can survive in raw or cured meat. The NHS toxoplasmosis page explains the parasite can harm an unborn baby if a pregnant woman is newly infected. That transmission pathway is specific to pregnancy and ends at birth.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does the NHS breastfeeding page restrict cured meat? | No, it isn't named |
| Does toxoplasmosis stop existing after the birth? | Toxoplasmosis as a general illness doesn't, but the specific risk to an unborn baby that drives the pregnancy rule does end, because there is no longer a foetus to affect |
| Does ordinary food hygiene still matter? | Yes, cured meat should still be kept chilled and eaten within its use-by date, the same as for anyone |
Sources checked
Everything in the sections above was checked against these pages on 28 October 2026.
- NHS: Food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding (published 21 July 2023, modified 28 January 2026) — no cured meat restriction on the breastfeeding avoid list
- NHS: Toxoplasmosis (page last reviewed 25 August 2023; its own next-review date, 25 August 2026, has passed) — toxoplasmosis risk pathway is specific to an unborn baby
As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Breastfeeding essentials
Insulated water bottle
Feeding is thirsty work — a litre bottle by the chair saves endless refills.
Check Price →Snack storage boxes
One-handed snacks within reach make night feeds far more civilised.
Check Price →Links open your local Amazon store. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More for the feeding months
Cured Meat: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Cook until steaming hot |
Common questions
Is cured meat safe while breastfeeding?
Yes. Cured Meat is fine while breastfeeding. The pregnancy warning about cured, uncooked meat was about toxoplasmosis in pregnancy.
Is cured meat OK to eat straight from the pack?
Yes while breastfeeding. Keep it refrigerated and use it by the date once opened.
Is cured meat high in salt?
Cured meats are salty, so eat them in moderation. There's no breastfeeding-specific limit.
Was this different during pregnancy?
Yes. In pregnancy our verdict was “cook until steaming hot”, because of a risk to the unborn baby (see our pregnancy guide). Those reasons ended when your baby was born.
What should I avoid while breastfeeding?
The NHS list is short. Caffeine: try not to have more than 300mg a day (a mug of filter coffee is about 140mg, instant 100mg, tea 75mg). Alcohol: it is safer not to drink, but 1 or 2 units once or twice a week should be fine. Oily fish: no more than 2 portions a week. Shark, swordfish and marlin: no more than 1 portion a week. Peanuts are fine unless you're allergic. Most other foods that were off the menu in pregnancy, such as soft cheese, pâté, cured meat and runny eggs, are not restricted.
Is cured meat such as chorizo or salami safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, as far as the breastfeeding-specific guidance goes: the NHS breastfeeding avoid page does not restrict it. The pregnancy rule against cold cured meat exists because of toxoplasmosis risk to an unborn baby, which ends at birth.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.