Can You Eat Smoked Mackerel 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.
Hot-smoked mackerel that's thoroughly cooked/reheated until piping hot is fine in pregnancy; eaten cold from the packet it's best avoided due to the listeria risk in smoked fish.
Why is smoked mackerel a concern in pregnancy?
NHS and FSA guidance advises pregnant women to avoid smoked fish unless it is thoroughly cooked, because smoked fish has been linked to listeria. Smoked mackerel is hot-smoked, but eaten cold straight from the packet it still falls under this advice — cooking it until piping hot (for example in a fishcake, pasta or under the grill) makes it safe. Count it towards your 2 oily fish portions a week.
You can also check the calorie content of smoked mackerel alongside its safety information. Also check medication safety during pregnancy if you're managing any conditions.
The exception
Smoked Mackerel is safe if thoroughly cooked until piping hot all the way through — for example in a cooked pasta bake, tart or fishcake.
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Pregnancy essentials
Pregnancy multivitamin
The NHS advises 400µg of folic acid daily — easiest as one daily tablet.
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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 smoked mackerel in the first trimester?
The advice to avoid uncooked smoked mackerel applies throughout pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Is a small amount of smoked mackerel OK during pregnancy?
The NHS advises avoiding uncooked smoked mackerel entirely during pregnancy rather than limiting it.
I accidentally ate smoked mackerel while pregnant — what should I do?
The risk from a single portion is low, so try not to worry. Keep an eye out for flu-like symptoms over the next few weeks and speak to your midwife or GP if you feel unwell.
Is cooked smoked mackerel safe in pregnancy?
Yes — smoked mackerel that has been thoroughly cooked until piping hot is safe to eat 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.