Cooked ham during pregnancy: can you eat it?

Cooked ham

No particular risk. Cooked ham is a cooked product, which protects against the risk of Listeria or toxoplasmosis.

However, remain vigilant about the product's storage, especially if it is already sliced.

Cooked ham is heated to over 70°C (158°F) during manufacturing, which destroys listeria and the toxoplasmosis parasite. It is best to eat sliced ham quickly after opening, as listeria can develop in refrigerated products after opening.

Other allowed cooked cold cuts: mortadella, bone-in ham, sliced roast pork, frankfurter-style sausages. They are all cooked during manufacturing.

To learn more, read our comprehensive guide: everything you need to know about this food during pregnancy

Sources and references

ANSES — Biological hazard description sheet: Listeria monocytogenes
Public Health France — Pregnancy nutrition guide
Ameli.fr — Listeriosis and pregnancy

Frequently asked questions

Can you eat cooked ham while pregnant?

Yes, cooked ham is allowed during pregnancy. It is a cooked cold cut that poses no risk of listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. Eat it quickly after opening.

Cooked ham and pregnancy: what are the risks?

Cooked ham does not present particular risks during pregnancy because it is cooked during manufacturing. Simply respect the cold chain and eat it quickly after opening the packaging.

Can you eat sliced cooked ham while pregnant?

Yes, sliced cooked ham is safe during pregnancy. Prefer vacuum-packed slices to deli-counter slices, and eat them within 2-3 days after opening.