Can You Eat Processed 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 processed 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 processed 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. Cold cured meats (salami, pepperoni, chorizo, prosciutto) should be cooked until steaming hot before eating, because cold cured, ready-to-eat meats may contain listeria. From a general health perspective, processed meat is also best kept as an occasional food.
You can also check the calorie content of processed 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 →Processed Meat: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| While breastfeeding | Safe |
Common questions
Can I eat processed 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 processed 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 processed 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 processed meat safe in pregnancy?
Heating processed 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.