Can You Eat Smoked Salmon (Cold-smoked) While Pregnant?
🥓 Deli & Processed
Caution
Refrigerated cold-smoked salmon (lox) carries Listeria risk as it is not cooked; the CDC warns pregnant women to avoid refrigerated smoked seafood.
📋 Conditions
Safe when cooked until steaming (e.g., in a hot baked dish or casserole); canned smoked salmon is shelf-stable and safe
🌡 Mercury Level
0.022 ppm - Low
The FDA recommends pregnant women eat 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish per week. Fish with mercury levels below 0.1 ppm are considered low mercury. Above 0.3 ppm is considered high.
✅ Safe Alternatives
- ✅ canned salmon
- ✅ cooked salmon
- ✅ hot-smoked salmon
🥓 Related Deli & Processed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat smoked salmon (cold-smoked) while pregnant?
Yes, but with precautions. Safe when cooked until steaming (e.g., in a hot baked dish or casserole); canned smoked salmon is shelf-stable and safe.
How much smoked salmon (cold-smoked) can I safely eat while pregnant?
Due to mercury levels of 0.022 ppm, limit smoked salmon (cold-smoked) to 1 serving (about 4 oz) per week.
What are safer alternatives to smoked salmon (cold-smoked) during pregnancy?
Consider these pregnancy-safe alternatives: canned salmon, cooked salmon, hot-smoked salmon.
Is smoked salmon (cold-smoked) safe in all trimesters of pregnancy?
The same precautions apply in all trimesters. First-trimester nausea may affect your tolerance, so adjust as needed.