Can you eat pastrami while pregnant?
Check firstHot pastrami served steaming, as in a grilled Reuben, is safe during pregnancy. Cold pastrami from the deli case needs to be heated to about 165 F first.
Why
Pastrami is brined, smoked and steamed at the deli, but once it is sliced and chilled it becomes a ready-to-eat meat, the category the CDC and FDA advise reheating in pregnancy because of Listeria. The good news is that pastrami is the rare deli meat traditionally served hot: a proper hot pastrami sandwich or a grilled Reuben already meets the steaming-hot rule.
Safer alternatives
- Hot pastrami piled steaming on rye
- A grilled Reuben with the meat heated through
- Hot roast beef, freshly carved
Sources
- CDC https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention/index.html
- FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/ready-eat-foods-food-safety-moms-be
Every verdict follows our sourcing methodology: official health guidelines only, most cautious position when they differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is a deli hot pastrami sandwich safe while pregnant?
Yes, when the meat comes off the steamer genuinely hot, which is how classic delis serve it. If the meat is just warm from sitting, ask for it steamed fresh.
What about cold pastrami in a packed lunch?
Heat it until steaming before it goes in the sandwich, or save cold pastrami for after delivery. Microwaving the slices for a minute before assembling works fine.
Is a Reuben safe given the sauerkraut and dressing?
A grilled Reuben is a good pick: the pastrami or corned beef gets hot, the kraut is cooked on the flat top, and commercial Russian dressing is made with pasteurized ingredients.
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