Can You Eat Deli Meat When Breastfeeding?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS: food and drinks to avoid when breastfeeding · Last updated 28 October 2026
Deli Meat is safe to eat while breastfeeding. The NHS cold-meat and listeria advice is specific to pregnancy.
What the guidance actually says (this page had no detail before Pass 12)
The NHS breastfeeding avoid page, read directly, does not name deli meat, cold meat or cured meat. The pregnancy caution about cold cured meats (salami, pepperoni, chorizo, prosciutto-style meats) is specifically about listeria and toxoplasmosis risk to an unborn baby, both of which end at birth.
| Deli meat type | Pregnancy rule | Breastfeeding |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked, sliced deli meat (ham, chicken, turkey) eaten cold | Generally fine if from a reputable source and kept chilled | No specific restriction |
| Cold cured, uncooked meats (salami, chorizo, prosciutto, pepperoni) | Avoid, or cook until steaming hot, because of listeria/toxoplasmosis | No specific restriction; the pregnancy reasoning ends at birth |
Ordinary chilled-food hygiene still applies to everyone: keep deli meat refrigerated, eat it within its use-by date, and don't leave it out at room temperature for long.
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 deli/cured meat restriction on the breastfeeding avoid list
- NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy (page last reviewed 15 June 2026) — pregnancy cured-meat listeria/toxoplasmosis reasoning
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More for the feeding months
Deli Meat: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Caution — keep chilled, use by the date |
| In the fridge (Deli Meat (Opened)) | 2 weeks unopened, 3–5 days once opened |
| In the freezer | Yes — freezes well (best quality for 1–2 months) |
| Past the date on the label | No — use-by means use by |
Common questions
Is deli meat safe while breastfeeding?
Deli Meat is safe to eat while breastfeeding. The NHS cold-meat and listeria advice is specific to pregnancy.
Was this different during pregnancy?
In pregnancy our verdict was “caution — keep chilled, use by the date” (see our pregnancy guide for the reasons).
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.
Can I eat ham, salami or other deli meat while breastfeeding?
Yes. The NHS breastfeeding avoid page does not restrict any deli or cured meat. The pregnancy-specific listeria and toxoplasmosis reasoning for avoiding cold cured meats ends at birth. Ordinary fridge and use-by-date hygiene still applies, as it does for anyone.
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.