Can I eat beef jerky while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

Beef jerky poses Listeria risk during pregnancy; avoid consumption to protect maternal and fetal health.

Read more details

Beef jerky is a ready-to-eat meat product that may harbor Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium capable of growing at refrigeration temperatures. Pregnant women are approximately 10 times more susceptible to listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria, compared to the general population. This infection can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Given these risks, the FDA advises pregnant women to avoid consuming ready-to-eat meats like beef jerky unless they are heated to steaming hot just before serving.

Avoid

Unheated Ready-to-Eat Meats

Caution

Avoid consuming beef jerky during pregnancy.

Safe Options

Freshly Cooked Meats

Expert Pick

Home-Dried Meats

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: Ready-to-Eat Foods +2

Safer Choices

Freshly Cooked Meats

Cook meats thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for whole cuts.
Ensure ground meats reach 160°F (71°C).

Home-Dried Meats

Ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) during the drying process.

Canned Meats

Opt for commercially canned meats as they are processed to eliminate bacteria.

Cooked Deli Meats

Heat deli meats until steaming hot to reduce the risk of Listeria contamination.

Risks & Limits

Unheated Ready-to-Eat Meats

Avoid consuming beef jerky and other ready-to-eat meats without reheating.

Undercooked Meats

Avoid meats that are not cooked to the recommended internal temperatures.

Unpasteurized Meat Products

Avoid meat products made from unpasteurized ingredients due to higher bacterial risk.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA published guidance

1

Avoid consuming beef jerky during pregnancy.
2

Cook all meats to their recommended internal temperatures.
3

Reheat ready-to-eat meats until steaming hot before consumption.
4

Choose canned meats as a safe alternative.
5

Avoid unpasteurized meat products.
6

Practice proper food handling and hygiene to prevent cross-contamination.
7

Consult healthcare providers for personalized dietary advice during pregnancy.

Common Questions

Is it safe to eat beef jerky during the first trimester?

No, consuming beef jerky during any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester, is not recommended due to the risk of Listeria infection, which can harm both mother and fetus.

Can I eat beef jerky if I heat it before consumption?

Heating ready-to-eat meats like beef jerky until steaming hot can reduce the risk of Listeria contamination. However, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming such products during pregnancy.

What are the main risks of consuming beef jerky while pregnant?

The primary risk is listeriosis, an infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to severe complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal infection.

What are safer alternatives to beef jerky during pregnancy?

Safer alternatives include freshly cooked meats, home-dried meats prepared safely, commercially canned meats, and reheated deli meats.

How should meats be prepared to ensure safety during pregnancy?

Cook whole cuts of meat to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) and ground meats to 160°F (71°C). Reheat ready-to-eat meats until steaming hot before consumption.

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