Help! Can I Eat Prosciutto When Pregnant?
You get invited to a party, and there’s an inviting charcuterie board centered on the table; the wooden board has an array of cured meats, delectable cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, chocolate, and more. You nibble on some crackers and cheese, but the prosciutto is what really catches your eye.
But you’re pregnant, so now you’re wondering, “Should I eat it?”
You don’t want to do anything to harm your baby, so you opt for some apple slices instead, but the prosciutto would really hit the spot. So what’s the deal? Could you have indulged your craving, or was it prudent to avoid the prosciutto?
In this post, you’ll find out everything you need to know about whether or not it’s safe to eat prosciutto and other cured meats in pregnancy. Next time you’re tempted by a charcuterie board, there’ll be no confusion about what’s OK and what’s off-limit’s before your little one arrives.
What is Prosciutto?
Prosciutto is an Italian word that means “ham.” It’s usually made from the hind leg of pigs and is aged through a dry-curing process. There are two types of prosciutto: prosciutto cotto (cooked), and prosciutto crudo (uncooked). Prosciutto cotto is safe during pregnancy, but prosciutto crudo is potentially risky.
Why is eating uncooked prosciutto risky during pregnancy?
Prosciutto Crudo, uncooked prosciutto, can carry harmful bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes. Eating prosciutto when you’re pregnant may risk your health and your baby’s health from a bacterial infection. Pregnant women are ten times more likely than other people to have a Listeria infection. If you have diabetes, HIV, or are on steroid therapy which causes your immune system to be weakened, your risk of infection is even greater.
What are the risks of a Listeria infection for a pregnant woman?
A Listeria infection may lead to intestinal illness, usually lasting 3-4 days. Although symptoms can start as early as 24 hours after exposure, they may not show up for 1-4 week. Symptoms of a Listeria infection also include):
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Other flu-like symptoms
However, it can also lead to
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Premature delivery
- Life-threatening infection of the newborn
In 2021 and 2022, multistate listeria outbreaks were linked to deli meat, including prosciutto. One person in the 2022 outbreaks got sick during pregnancy, resulting in a pregnancy loss (5).
What Happens if You Eat Uncooked Prosciutto During Pregnancy?
If you accidentally eat uncooked prosciutto while you’e pregnant, rest assured. While foodborne illness is possible from cured meat, it’s still relatively rare. The salt and other processes used to cure the meat usually inhibit bacterial growth.
If there are no symptoms, you do not need to immediately contact your doctor, but consider informing your healthcare provider at your next prenatal visit.
If you do have any of the symptoms above, call your healthcare provider immediately.
How Can You Safely Eat Prosciutto When Pregnant?
You can still enjoy prosciutto! Just make sure it’is properly cooked. Use a reliable food thermometer and ensure it reaches a temperature of 145 F (60-65 C). Steam is a good sign that it reached the correct temperature but it’s always best to check your temperature with a thermocouple thermometer. (A thermocouple thermometer gives a reading within 2-5 seconds and can be used for thin food)..
How should you handle Prosciutto and other cured meat??
To ensure that you’re safely handling your prosciutto, follow these best practices:
- Always wash your hands after handling any kind of deli meat, such as prosciutto.
- Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning any surfaces the meat may have touched and use separate containers for storage.
- Place unopened packages in the fridge and use them within two weeks.
- Once the package is opened, consume the meat within 3-5 days.
There are many ways to enjoy cooked prosciutto. Here are some recipes for you to try out:
- Crumbled Prosciutto crisps over salad, soup, or pasta from Family Style Food
- Asparagus wrapped in crisps Prosciutto from All Recipes
- Prosciutto asparagus puff pastry bundles from Fox and Briar
- Savory scones with Gruyere, prosciutto, and green onion from Kitchen Confidante
Key Takeaways
Now you know that cold, uncooked prosciutto is not safe to eat when you’re pregnant. However, you can still enjoy its delicious flavor by cooking it thoroughly. Hopefully, the above recipes inspire you! You may wonder how to navigate the dos and don’ts of safe eating during pregnancy. If you want to gain confidence in your nutritional decisions to have a healthy pregnancy and to nourish your growing baby, you can contact me at Liliek@nourishwelltogether.com or book a free call.