Pregnancy food guidance
Deli meat
Depends—Heat before eating
The cautious U.S. recommendation is to heat deli meat until steaming hot before eating it.
What changes the answer for Deli meat
- Cold deli meat: higher Listeria concern.
- Heated to 165°F or steaming hot: safer choice.
- Any recalled product: avoid it.
Why it matters for Deli meat
Ready-to-eat meat can become contaminated with Listeria after processing.
Practical takeaway
Order it heated or reheat it at home until steaming.
Evidence interpretation
Emily Oster’s perspective on Deli meat
Oster emphasizes that the absolute Listeria risk is small and differentiates deli turkey from meats such as ham and prosciutto. The site still uses the broader cautious heating recommendation as its takeaway.
Read the ParentData analysis (opens in a new tab)Sources and review details
- Review status
- Source reviewed
- Last reviewed
- Guidance region
- United States