Can I eat bologna while pregnant?
US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.
What Guidelines Say
FDA advises pregnant women to avoid bologna due to Listeria risk; reheating until steaming hot reduces this risk.
Read more details
According to the FDA and CDC, deli meats like bologna are susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can survive and grow at refrigeration temperatures. This pathogen poses a significant risk during pregnancy, as listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe neonatal infection. Guidelines specify that bologna must be heated until steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), to effectively kill any potential bacteria. Cold bologna consumed directly from the package or a deli counter is considered high-risk. Beyond bacterial concerns, bologna is a highly processed meat typically containing high levels of sodium and nitrates. Excessive sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure and fluid retention. While heating the meat addresses the immediate safety risk of infection, the nutritional profile suggests limited consumption throughout pregnancy.
Cold Deli Meats
Reheat deli meats until steaming hot before consumption.
Freshly Cooked Meats
Canned Meats
Not sure about other foods?
Snap a photo to check instantly
Safer Choices
Freshly Cooked Meats
- Opt for meats cooked at home to a safe internal temperature (e.g., poultry to 165°F) to ensure safety.
Canned Meats
- Shelf-stable canned meats are generally safe as they are processed to eliminate bacteria.
Vegetarian Protein Options
- Consider cooked beans, lentils, or tofu as safe protein sources during pregnancy.
Steaming hot preparations
- Heating bologna to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures the destruction of Listeria monocytogenes.
Fried or grilled bologna
- Cooking slices in a skillet until they are steaming throughout provides a safe method for consumption.
Baked bologna dishes
- Incorporating bologna into casseroles or dishes that are baked at high temperatures ensures the meat is fully cooked.
Low-sodium, nitrate-free varieties
- Selecting versions with reduced sodium and no added nitrates can mitigate some nutritional concerns when properly heated.
Risks & Limits
Cold Deli Meats
- Avoid consuming cold bologna and other deli meats due to the risk of Listeria contamination.
Unpasteurized Dairy Products
- Avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, as they can harbor harmful bacteria.
Raw or Undercooked Meats
- Avoid raw or undercooked meats to prevent exposure to harmful pathogens.
Cold or chilled bologna
- Consuming bologna straight from the refrigerator or in cold sandwiches carries a high risk of Listeria exposure.
Deli-counter sliced meat
- Slicing machines in delis can be sources of cross-contamination for various bacteria, including Listeria.
High-frequency consumption
- Frequent intake of processed meats is associated with high sodium and preservative exposure, which may impact maternal health.
Key Points from Health Guidelines
Based on FDA, ACOG, Mayo Clinic published guidance
-
1Reheat deli meats until steaming hot before consumption.
-
2Maintain refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C).
-
3Consume perishable foods promptly and avoid prolonged storage.
-
4Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food.
-
5Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and other foods.
-
6Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate.
-
7Consult healthcare providers for personalized dietary advice during pregnancy.