Is Smoked Salmon Safe During Pregnancy

Reason

Cold-smoked or refrigerated smoked salmon can carry listeria; only fully heated smoked salmon is safer.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit — consult your provider.

Effects

Pregnancy

Listeria infection can harm the pregnancy and may lead to serious complications.

Mother

Can cause food poisoning and listeria infection.

Baby

Raises risk of listeria infection, which can make the baby seriously ill.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Avoid if cold-smoked/refrigerated and not heated. If fully cooked until steaming hot, it is generally acceptable.

2nd Trimester

Avoid if cold-smoked/refrigerated and not heated. If fully cooked until steaming hot, it is generally acceptable.

3rd Trimester

Avoid if cold-smoked/refrigerated and not heated. If fully cooked until steaming hot, it is generally acceptable.

Conditions & Warnings

• Avoid cold-smoked, cured, or refrigerated smoked salmon.
• Safe only if cooked until steaming hot throughout.
• Choose canned or shelf-stable smoked salmon if available.
• Use caution if it is served from a deli counter or refrigerator section.

Alternatives

• Cooked salmon
• Canned salmon
• Shelf-stable smoked salmon
• Smoked salmon baked into a hot dish until steaming hot

References

• CDC
  https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
• FDA
  https://www.fda.gov/food/health-educators/listeria-food-safety-moms-be
• NHS
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
• ACOG
  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/listeria-and-pregnancy