Can I Eat Smoked While Pregnant?

Q: Can I eat smoked while pregnant?

Best to avoid. Refrigerated smoked fish like lox and cold-smoked salmon is not cooked to a temperature that kills Listeria, and this bacteria can survive and even grow at fridge temperatures. Because pregnancy raises your risk of serious Listeria infection, the FDA advises against eating refrigerated smoked fish unless it is cooked into a dish.

Best to avoid

General guidance from FDA/EPA. Please always check with your provider.

Smoked salmon and lox are beloved brunch staples, and there is a safe way to enjoy them while you're expecting.

Why

Refrigerated smoked fish like lox and cold-smoked salmon is not cooked to a temperature that kills Listeria, and this bacteria can survive and even grow at fridge temperatures. Because pregnancy raises your risk of serious Listeria infection, the FDA advises against eating refrigerated smoked fish unless it is cooked into a dish.

How to enjoy it safely

It becomes safe when fully cooked into a dish and heated to 165F, such as baked into a quiche, casserole, or pasta. Shelf-stable canned smoked fish is also a safer option. Skip the cold lox bagel for now and save it for after delivery.

When to ask your provider

Let your Garden OB/GYN provider know if you ate refrigerated smoked fish cold and develop fever or flu-like symptoms.

Source: FDA/EPA

More foods that are best to avoid

This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It summarizes guidance from FDA/EPA, which can change, and individual situations vary, so please confirm with your Garden OB/GYN provider.

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