Can I eat prosciutto while pregnant?
US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.
What Guidelines Say
FDA guidelines advise against consuming raw or undercooked meats, including prosciutto, during pregnancy due to infection risks.
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Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham traditionally served uncooked, which poses specific risks during pregnancy. According to the FDA and ACOG, uncooked deli meats and dry-cured meats may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes or Toxoplasma gondii. Listeriosis is a serious infection that can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor, even if the mother feels only mild symptoms. Toxoplasmosis, caused by a parasite sometimes found in raw or undercooked meat, can cause long-term health issues for the infant, such as vision or hearing loss. To mitigate these risks, medical guidelines recommend heating prosciutto until it is steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature is sufficient to kill harmful pathogens. Consuming prosciutto straight from the package without heat treatment is generally discouraged by health authorities for pregnant individuals.
Raw Prosciutto
Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, including prosciutto.
Cooked Prosciutto
Fully Cooked Deli Meats
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Safer Choices
Cooked Prosciutto
- Heating prosciutto to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) can kill harmful pathogens, making it safer for consumption during pregnancy.
Fully Cooked Deli Meats
- Opt for deli meats that have been thoroughly cooked or reheated to steaming hot before consumption.
Freshly Cooked Meats
- Choose freshly cooked meats like roasted turkey or chicken, ensuring they reach the appropriate internal temperatures.
Vegetarian Alternatives
- Consider plant-based deli slices made from tofu or legumes, which pose no risk of listeriosis or toxoplasmosis.
Pasteurized Meat Products
- Select meat products that have been pasteurized, as this process eliminates harmful bacteria.
Crispy baked prosciutto
- Heating in an oven at 375°F until the meat is crisp ensures it reaches the necessary 165°F safety threshold.
Cooked on pizza
- Prosciutto added as a topping before baking in a high-heat oven effectively kills potential bacteria and parasites.
Pan-seared preparations
- Sautéing the meat in a pan until it is steaming hot throughout provides a safer alternative to raw consumption.
Boiled in sauces
- Incorporating prosciutto into soups or pasta sauces while they are at a rolling boil ensures the meat is thoroughly heated.
Risks & Limits
Raw Prosciutto
- Consuming raw prosciutto increases the risk of listeriosis and toxoplasmosis.
Unheated Deli Meats
- Cold cuts and deli meats that haven't been heated to steaming hot can harbor *Listeria* bacteria.
Unpasteurized Meat Products
- Meat products that haven't undergone pasteurization may contain harmful pathogens.
Undercooked Meats
- Any meat that hasn't been cooked to the recommended internal temperature can pose health risks during pregnancy.
Raw or cold prosciutto
- Unheated cured meats carry a higher risk of Listeria and Toxoplasma contamination compared to cooked varieties.
Charcuterie board consumption
- Prosciutto served at room temperature on shared platters increases the risk of cross-contamination and rapid bacterial growth.
Key Points from Health Guidelines
Based on FDA published guidance
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1Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, including prosciutto.
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2Heat deli meats to steaming hot before eating.
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3Choose freshly cooked meats over processed options.
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4Opt for pasteurized meat products when available.
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5Consider vegetarian alternatives to deli meats.
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6Always check food labels for pasteurization information.
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7Consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice during pregnancy.