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Can I eat turkey while pregnant?

US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.

What Guidelines Say

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According to FDA guidelines, thoroughly cooked turkey is safe during pregnancy; avoid undercooked or deli turkey due to Listeria risk.

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According to FDA and ACOG guidelines, turkey is a safe protein source during pregnancy provided it is prepared and stored correctly. The primary safety concern is Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can contaminate deli meats after processing and survive at refrigeration temperatures. Listeriosis during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm labor. To eliminate this risk, health authorities advise that all deli-style turkey meats be heated until steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, before consumption. Similarly, ground turkey and whole roasted turkey must reach 165°F to ensure the destruction of Salmonella and Campylobacter. While freshly cooked turkey is generally safe, caution is required for any cold, pre-packaged, or deli-counter poultry products due to the potential for cross-contamination in retail environments.

Avoid

Undercooked Turkey

Caution

Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Safe Options

Fully Cooked Turkey

Expert Pick

Freshly Cooked Turkey Dishes

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Updated: Jan 2026 Sources: Food Safety for Moms-to-Be At-a-Glance | FDA +2

Safer Choices

Fully Cooked Turkey

  • Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria.

Freshly Cooked Turkey Dishes

  • Prepare turkey-based meals at home, ensuring thorough cooking and immediate consumption.

Reheated Deli Turkey

  • If consuming deli turkey, reheat it until steaming hot to reduce Listeria risk.

Freshly Roasted Turkey

  • Whole turkey or turkey breast cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F as verified by a food thermometer.

Steaming Hot Deli Turkey

  • Deli-sliced turkey that has been reheated until steaming (165°F) to kill potential pathogens like Listeria.

Thoroughly Cooked Ground Turkey

  • Ground turkey meat cooked until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Canned or Shelf-Stable Turkey

  • Commercially canned turkey products which are heat-treated during the canning process to ensure sterility.

Risks & Limits

Undercooked Turkey

  • Consuming turkey that hasn't reached 165°F (74°C) poses a risk of Salmonella and Listeria infections.

Cold Deli Turkey

  • Ready-to-eat deli meats can harbor Listeria; avoid unless reheated until steaming hot.
  • Cold slices from deli counters or pre-packaged containers carry a higher risk of Listeria contamination.

Unrefrigerated Leftovers

  • Leftover turkey should be refrigerated within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerated Pâté or Meat Spreads

  • Refrigerated turkey-based pâtés are frequently identified as high-risk foods for Listeria by the FDA.

Undercooked Poultry

  • Turkey cooked to temperatures below 165°F may harbor Salmonella, which causes severe foodborne illness.

Key Points from Health Guidelines

Based on FDA published guidance

  • 1
    Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • 2
    Use a food thermometer to verify cooking temperatures.
  • 3
    Reheat deli meats until steaming hot before consumption.
  • 4
    Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
  • 5
    Store raw turkey separately from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
  • 6
    Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw turkey.
  • 7
    Avoid consuming undercooked or raw turkey products.

Common Questions

Is it safe to eat turkey during the first trimester?
Yes, consuming thoroughly cooked turkey is safe during all stages of pregnancy, including the first trimester. Proper cooking eliminates harmful bacteria that could pose risks during early pregnancy.
How often can I eat turkey while pregnant?
There are no specific restrictions on the frequency of consuming thoroughly cooked turkey during pregnancy. Including it as part of a balanced diet is considered safe.
What are the main risks of eating turkey during pregnancy?
The primary risks involve consuming undercooked turkey or deli meats contaminated with Listeria or Salmonella, which can lead to serious health complications for both mother and baby.
Are there safer alternatives to deli turkey?
Yes, freshly cooked turkey breast or other lean meats prepared at home and consumed immediately are safer alternatives to deli turkey.
What is the safest way to prepare turkey during pregnancy?
Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), use a food thermometer to confirm, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw turkey separate from other foods.

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