Can You Eat Frankfurters When Pregnant?
Reviewed against NHS foods-to-avoid guidance · Updated September 2026
Nutritional data sourced from USDA FoodData Central and Public Health England. Always consult a registered dietitian for personal dietary advice.
Frankfurters are safe in pregnancy only when heated until piping hot — avoid eating them cold from the packet or jar.
Why is frankfurters safe in pregnancy?
Frankfurters are pre-cooked but, like other chilled ready-to-eat meats, can pick up listeria after processing. Heating them until piping hot all the way through kills any listeria, making them safe to eat during pregnancy.
You can also check the calorie content of frankfurters alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Don't eat frankfurters cold from the packet while pregnant.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
Check Price →Pregnancy food guide
A paper reference for the fridge door — no more mid-supermarket googling.
Check Price →Digital food thermometer
Cooked through means 75°C in the middle — a probe ends the guesswork.
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Want to know exactly what's in your food? Our ingredient checker covers E-numbers, allergens and vegan status.
More pregnancy essentials
Baby-safe food thermometer
Useful for pregnancy cooking checks and later for baby food.
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Common questions
Can I eat frankfurters in the first trimester?
Yes — fully cooked Frankfurters is safe at every stage of pregnancy.
Is a small amount of frankfurters OK during pregnancy?
No limit applies to properly cooked Frankfurters; enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
I accidentally ate frankfurters while pregnant — what should I do?
Fully cooked Frankfurters is safe, so no action is needed. If you suspect it was undercooked, the risk from one meal is still low — mention any flu-like symptoms to your midwife or GP.
Is cooked frankfurters safe in pregnancy?
Yes — fully cooked is exactly how Frankfurters should be eaten during pregnancy.
Related answers
Primary source: NHS foods-to-avoid guidance.
The information on 247foodcheck.com is compiled from official public guidance (NHS, Food Standards Agency, USDA/FDA FoodKeeper) and is provided for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your midwife, GP, health visitor or other qualified professional. When in doubt, throw it out — and if you feel unwell after eating something, contact NHS 111 or your doctor.