If you are pregnant and unsure about eating jerky, ask your healthcare provider about the product and preparation method. This page brings together the considerations and sources behind that question.
The sources below discuss categories such as cured meats, deli meats and dried sausages. They do not provide a product-by-product judgment on beef jerky. Applying that guidance to a particular jerky product needs care.
Why cured and dried meats get flagged
Two foodborne hazards discussed in pregnancy guidance are Listeria and Toxoplasma.
Listeria can cause serious illness during pregnancy. The CDC’s food-choice guidance recommends heating deli meats and fermented or dry sausages to 165°F or until steaming hot. That is category guidance, not an assessment of every jerky product.
Toxoplasma is a parasite associated with raw, undercooked and some cured meats. The NHS advises caution with cold-cured meats during pregnancy. Follow your provider’s advice rather than assuming curing makes a product equivalent to freshly cooked meat.
Why “dried” isn’t “cooked”
A product being dried or sold unrefrigerated does not answer every pregnancy-specific question. Check how it was made and stored, and use the relevant health guidance for that type of food.
Published health guidance
These sources explain their advice for the food categories they cover:
| Body | What it says | Page |
|---|---|---|
| NHS (UK) | The NHS advises caution with cold-cured meats unless thoroughly cooked and explains the concern about toxoplasmosis. | Foods to avoid in pregnancy |
| FDA / FoodSafety.gov (US) | FDA pregnancy guidance discusses reheating certain ready-to-eat meats and avoiding higher-risk foods. Check the source for the categories covered. | People at Risk: Pregnant Women |
| CDC (US) | CDC guidance recommends heating the listed deli meats and fermented or dry sausages to 165°F or until steaming hot. | Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women |
| ACOG (US) | ACOG discusses avoiding higher-risk ready-to-eat meats unless heated appropriately. Use its guidance alongside your own provider’s advice. | Listeria and Pregnancy |
Ask about the specific product you plan to eat.
Questions for your healthcare provider
CDC guidance recommends reheating the deli meats and dry sausages it lists to 165°F or until steaming hot. Ask your provider how the guidance applies to your jerky product. Do not assume freezing provides the same protection as heating.
Commercial vs homemade
Commercial and homemade products vary in processing and handling. Neither label alone establishes whether a particular product is suitable during pregnancy. Discuss the actual product with your provider.
If you’ve already eaten some
Eating some does not mean you will become ill. If you develop a fever or feel unwell, contact your maternity care provider promptly and mention what you ate. Contact them as well if you are worried or the product is recalled.
Safer high-protein snacks
Ask your provider about snacks that suit your needs. Options may include pasteurized yogurt, well-cooked eggs or other foods prepared and stored according to pregnancy guidance.