Pregnancy food guidance
Ham
Depends—Type and temperature matter
Freshly cooked ham can be eaten hot. Cold deli ham should be reheated until steaming under cautious U.S. guidance.
What changes the answer for Ham
- Whole cooked ham served hot: generally safer.
- Cold deli ham: heat to 165°F or until steaming.
- Any recalled product: avoid it.
Why it matters for Ham
Ready-to-eat sliced meat can become contaminated with Listeria after processing.
Practical takeaway
Identify whether it is a hot cooked ham or cold deli meat, then heat deli slices until steaming.
Evidence interpretation
Emily Oster’s perspective on Ham
Oster distinguishes ham from deli turkey and argues historical outbreak data give less reason to avoid it. The site still uses the broader cautious heating rule for cold deli meat.
Read the ParentData analysis (opens in a new tab)Sources and review details
- Review status
- Source reviewed
- Last reviewed
- Guidance region
- United States