Is Beef Jerky Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Commercial beef jerky is lower risk, but homemade or improperly stored jerky can carry foodborne germs in pregnancy.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit — consult your provider.

Effects

Pregnancy

Pregnancy raises the risk from foodborne infections, especially Listeria.

Mother

May cause foodborne illness, such as nausea, vomiting, or fever.

Baby

Unsafe jerky can carry foodborne germs that may harm the fetus.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Same caution all pregnancy. Food safety matters from the start of pregnancy.

2nd Trimester

Same caution all pregnancy. Food safety matters throughout pregnancy.

3rd Trimester

Same caution all pregnancy. Avoid homemade or unrefrigerated jerky. Choose only sealed, shelf-stable products from trusted sources.

Conditions & Warnings

• Choose only commercially prepared, sealed, shelf-stable beef jerky from a trusted source.
• Do not eat jerky if it is homemade, raw, or not fully dried/cured.
• Avoid jerky that is refrigerated unless the label says it is safe as ready-to-eat and stored as directed.
• If it is hot-hold or reheated, it should be steaming hot.

Alternatives

• Freshly cooked beef.
• Shelf-stable, commercially packaged protein snacks.
• Pasteurized dairy snacks with safe handling.

References

• CDC
  https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/ready-eat-foods-food-safety-moms-be
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/food-safety-moms-be-glance