Can I eat deli meat while breastfeeding?
US breastfeeding food safety guidance. Educational only.
What Guidelines Say
Health authorities consider deli meats safe during breastfeeding as Listeria does not typically pass through breast milk to infants.
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According to the CDC and FDA, the stringent food safety restrictions regarding deli meats during pregnancy are generally relaxed once breastfeeding begins. While pregnant individuals are advised to avoid cold deli meats due to the risk of Listeria monocytogenes crossing the placenta, there is no evidence suggesting that Listeria is transmitted to infants through breast milk. Consequently, breastfeeding women can consume deli meats without the requirement of reheating them to 165°F, provided standard food safety and hygiene practices are followed. The primary concern shifts from fetal risk to maternal health; preventing foodborne illnesses like Salmonella or E. coli is important to avoid maternal dehydration, which can temporarily impact milk supply. Maintaining proper refrigeration and observing expiration dates ensures that deli meats remain a viable protein source for lactating individuals.
Expired Deli Meats
Check expiration dates on deli meat packaging.
Freshly Sliced Deli Meats
Pre-Packaged Deli Meats
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Safer Choices
Freshly Sliced Deli Meats
- Opt for deli meats sliced fresh from the counter, reducing bacterial growth risk.
Pre-Packaged Deli Meats
- Choose vacuum-sealed, pre-packaged deli meats, minimizing contamination risks.
Cooked Meats
- Incorporate cooked meats like roasted chicken or turkey, as cooking eliminates pathogens.
Freshly Sliced Meats
- Meats sliced to order at a deli counter with high turnover ensure the product is fresh.
- Turkey, ham, or roast beef sliced in-store typically contains fewer preservatives than pre-packaged varieties.
Pre-packaged Sealed Meats
- Factory-sealed containers from reputable brands follow strict USDA safety protocols to minimize contamination.
- Vacuum-sealed packaging helps prevent the growth of aerobic bacteria during transport and storage.
Home-Cooked and Sliced Meats
- Roasting a whole turkey breast or beef roast at home to an internal temperature of 165°F provides a safe alternative.
- Home-prepared meats allow for complete control over sodium levels and the absence of nitrates.
Low-Sodium Options
- Choosing 'low-sodium' or 'no salt added' deli meats helps manage postpartum fluid retention.
- These options support cardiovascular health while providing the 25 grams of extra protein often recommended daily for lactation.
Risks & Limits
Expired Deli Meats
- Avoid consuming deli meats past their expiration date due to increased bacterial contamination risk.
Improperly Stored Meats
- Limit intake of deli meats left unrefrigerated for extended periods to prevent bacterial growth.
Expired or Improperly Stored Meats
- Meats past their 'use-by' date carry an increased risk of spoilage and bacterial growth.
- Products left at room temperature for more than two hours pose a risk of Staphylococcus aureus contamination.
Highly Processed Meats with Nitrates
- Limiting meats preserved with nitrates and nitrites is often suggested for long-term maternal health.
- Excessive consumption of highly processed meats is linked to increased sodium intake, which may affect hydration levels.
Key Points from Health Guidelines
Based on FDA, CDC, FoodSafety.gov, Mayo Clinic published guidance
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1Check expiration dates on deli meat packaging.
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2Store deli meats at or below 40°F (4°C).
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3Consume opened deli meats within 3-5 days.
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4Ensure clean handling surfaces and utensils.
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5Wash hands before and after handling deli meats.
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6Maintain refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C).
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7Consume opened packages of deli meat within three to five days.