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Is Smoked salmon safe in pregnancy?
Safe with limits
UK shop-bought cold-smoked salmon is considered safe; updated NHS view.
What the evidence says
NHS guidance was updated in recent years: cold-smoked and cured fish from reputable UK suppliers is now considered safe for most pregnant women, provided it is kept properly refrigerated and eaten within the use-by date. If you have a weakened immune system or are immunocompromised, your midwife may advise heating it through before eating.
Why this matters
Earlier advice to avoid cold-smoked fish was based on Listeria risk. UK production and storage standards make this risk very low for healthy pregnancies, but not zero.
Source:NHS guidance on foods in pregnancy (updated)
Last reviewed:April 2026
Please note — This is general guidance based on NHS advice as of April 2026. It is not medical advice. For advice on your specific pregnancy, please speak to your midwife or GP.
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