MioMama
Is Pepperoni Pizza Safe During Pregnancy
Status
cautionReason
Pepperoni is a cold cured meat unless cooked. Hot, fully cooked pizza is safer, but pregnancy guidance still says be careful with cured meats.
Safe Amount
No established safe limit — consult your provider.
Effects
- Pregnancy
- Unsafe meat or dairy can increase risk of pregnancy complications from foodborne infection.
- Mother
- May raise risk of foodborne illness such as listeriosis or toxoplasmosis.
- Baby
- Cold cured meats can carry toxoplasmosis risk; unsafe food can also carry Listeria, which can harm the baby.
Trimester Notes
- 1st Trimester
- Same guidance all pregnancy. Avoid cold or undercooked pepperoni.
- 2nd Trimester
- Same guidance all pregnancy. Eat only if pepperoni is fully cooked and pizza is served hot.
- 3rd Trimester
- Same guidance all pregnancy. Eat only if pepperoni is fully cooked and pizza is served hot.
Conditions & Warnings
- Pepperoni should be cooked through on a hot pizza, not eaten cold.
- Avoid pizza with undercooked meat or unheated cured meats.
- Use pasteurized cheese.
Alternatives
- Vegetable pizza with pasteurized cheese
- Pizza with fully cooked chicken or other well-cooked toppings
- Pepperoni pizza only when served piping hot
References
- NHS Foods to avoid in pregnancy
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/ - FDA Listeria (Food Safety for Moms-to-Be)
https://www.fda.gov/food/health-educators/listeria-food-safety-moms-be - CDC Protect your pregnancy from Listeria
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/pdf/protect-your-pregnancy-h.pdf