Is it safe to have Luncheon Meat during pregnancy?

While eating meat is considered to be safe during pregnacy, provided it is thoroughly washed and cooked, the same cannot be said for luncheon meat. Since Luncheon meat is processed and packaged, it is exposed to a lot of preservatives. That is why, during its processing, the meat becomes receptive to a bacteria known as Listeria. Listeria causes an infection in pregnant women that can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth. Moreover, the nutritional value of the meat is lowered because of its high fat, nitrate and sodium content. Additionally, salmonella bacteria may be present in this meat, which can cause diarrhea and food poisoning. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you look for alternative meat options, like grilled or cooked chicken. In case you prefer to eat luncheon meat, reheat it to 165 degrees before consumption.