Is Cured chorizo safe during pregnancy?
Cold cured chorizo isn't recommended in pregnancy — heat it until steaming hot. Fresh Mexican chorizo must be cooked through.
PregnancyUse with care
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
EvidenceModerate
What the sources say
NHS lists cold cured meats including chorizo as foods to cook until steaming hot in pregnancy; CDC advises heating fermented or dry sausages to 165°F or until steaming hot. Fresh (raw) Mexican-style chorizo is a ground-meat sausage and should be cooked to 160°F (165°F if made with poultry). No special restriction while breastfeeding (CDC).
Common alternatives
Also listed as
spanish chorizo, chorizo slices, dry chorizo, chorizo ibérico, sobrasada
Sources
- NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy
- CDC: Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women
- USDA/FSIS: Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
- CDC: Maternal Diet and Breastfeeding
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.