Can You Eat Deli Meat When Pregnant?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
The NHS lists processed, cold pre-cooked meats such as deli meat under foods to be careful with: keep it chilled and eat it before the use-by date. It is not on the avoid list.
Why is deli meat a concern in pregnancy?
The NHS foods-to-avoid page (last reviewed 15 June 2026) lists 'processed, cold pre-cooked meats, such as ham or chicken' under foods to be careful with: keep them chilled and eat them before the use-by date. It also says some ready-to-eat foods, like pre-packaged sandwiches and salads, may contain listeria bacteria. Cold cured meats such as salami and prosciutto are handled separately: they should be cooked until steaming hot before eating. Some US sources go further and suggest heating deli meat until steaming hot; the NHS does not ask for that for cooked ham.
You can also check the calorie content of deli meat alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Do not eat a pack past its use-by date or one that has been out of the fridge. The UK supermarket ham packs we checked say to eat within 2 days of opening (and by the use-by date if that is sooner). Cold cured meats such as Parma ham and salami must be cooked until steaming hot first.
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Check Price →Deli Meat: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| While breastfeeding | Safe |
| 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
Can I eat deli meat in the first trimester?
The same NHS advice applies throughout pregnancy: keep it chilled and eat it before the use-by date.
Is a small amount of deli meat OK during pregnancy?
The NHS gives no amount limit for cold cooked meats. The rules are about keeping it chilled and eating it before the use-by date.
I accidentally ate deli meat while pregnant — what should I do?
If it was in date and kept chilled, there is little to worry about. If you ate it past its date or after it had been left out, watch for flu-like symptoms over the next few weeks and tell your midwife, GP or NHS 111 if you are unwell or want reassurance.
Is cooked deli meat safe in pregnancy?
Heating deli meat until steaming hot is a more cautious choice than the NHS asks for, and is how many people prefer to eat it in pregnancy.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.