Smoked salmon can be eaten during pregnancy, but with important distinctions. Cold-smoked salmon is not safe because it is not cooked during the smoking process, making it prone to contamination by Listeria bacteria, which poses a serious risk during pregnancy. Hot-smoked salmon, which is fully cooked during the smoking process, is safe to eat. Additionally, cooked, canned, or pasteurized salmon is also safe for pregnant women. It is important to avoid cold-smoked salmon and opt for hot-smoked or thoroughly cooked salmon to reduce the risk of foodborne illness while still benefiting from the nutritional value of salmon such as omega-3 fatty acids essential for fetal development.
