Is Deli/luncheon meats, hot dogs, pate, refrigerated meat spreads safe during pregnancy?
In short, according to public-health guidance, deli/luncheon meats, hot dogs, pate, refrigerated meat spreads is worth understanding during pregnancy.
Why
Listeria — heat deli meats until steaming (165F/74C) before eating
What to do
heat until steaming
The rest of the guidance
Most people checking one food have two or three more in mind. Here is the whole list, strictest first — each verdict is the same one published on that food's own page.
| All alcohol | best avoided |
| Rare/raw beef, poultry, pork; undercooked eggs | best avoided |
| Raw alfalfa, clover, radish, mung-bean sprouts | best avoided |
| Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, Gulf of Mexico tilefish, bigeye tuna, marlin, orange roughy | best avoided |
| Sushi, sashimi, raw shellfish, oysters, ceviche | best avoided |
| Unpasteurized (raw) milk; soft cheeses: brie, camembert, feta, blue, queso fresco | best avoided |
| Unpasteurized/fresh-pressed juices, cider | best avoided |
| Albacore (white) tuna | best limited |
| Coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, chocolate | best limited |
| Liver, pate, high-dose vitamin A supplements | best limited |
| Unwashed fruits and vegetables | safe when washed well |
| Salmon, sardines, shrimp, pollock, catfish, tilapia, canned light tuna | encouraged |
Source: MedlinePlus: Listeria Infections (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Educational reference from public health guidance; not medical advice — consult a clinician/pediatrician.